A good Second War 'North West Europe' 'Immediate' M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant C....

A good Second War ‘North West Europe’ ‘Immediate’ M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant C. J. O’Neal, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, late Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and Royal Irish Rifles, for his gallantry during the capture of the village of Hambrook on 16 April 1945, when he led his platoon in a successful assault, capturing 8 flak guns and 50 prisoners Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6978089 A. Sjt. C. J. O’Neal. K.S.O.B.) rank officially corrected; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (6978089 Fsr. C. J. O’Neal. R. Ir...); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, light pitting which has partially obscured naming on GSM, very fine and better (7) £1,200-£1,600 --- M.M. London Gazette 2 August 1945: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.’ The original Recommendation states: ‘On 16th April 1945, 'D' Company 6th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers were ordered to capture the defended village of Hambrook and No. 17 Platoon, commanded by Sergeant O'Neal were given the task of making the initial assault and of securing a foothold in the village. This necessitated crossing some 400 yards of open country in front of the enemy positions under cover of smoke. Despite extremely heavy fire from 20mm flak and machine guns, Sergeant O'Neal led his platoon into the village with great dash. He now appreciated that the enemy were demoralised, and, of his own initiative, decided to push on from his original objectives. Despite strong enemy opposition, he proceeded to clear the entire village, with the exception of one strongly defended house, taking eight 20mm guns and more than 50 prisoners with his one platoon. During this action Sergeant O'Neal was always in the lead and his cheerful determination and complete disregard for his own personal safety were at all times a source of inspiration to his men. By his splendid offensive spirit and fine personal gallantry, this NCO undoubtedly made an outstanding contribution to the success of the subsequent operations by the rapid clearance of the village of Hambrook and, in addition, saved his own company many casualties.’ Charles John O'Neal was born in Londonderry, Ireland in 1919, the son of a Sergeant in the Admiralty Constabulary, and attested for the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers at Omagh on 1 July 1935. Posted to the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers, he saw active service with them in pre-War Palestine, and then with them during the Second World War as part of the British Expeditionary Force in France. Transferring back to his original Regiment, he next served with the 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in India and Burma. Returning to the UK, O’Neal transferred to the 6th Battalion King’s Own Scottish Borderers, and served with them in North West Europe from 19 July 1944. Advancing into Germany, it was in the closing stages of the War that O’Neal displayed the gallantry that led to him being awarded an ‘Immediate’ Military Medal; a German flag captured by him is now displayed in the Regimental Museum. Post-War, O’Neal served briefly with the Royal Ulster Rifles, ands is later recorded as ‘Sergeant, Parachute Regiment’. Sold with copied research.