A particularly fine and scarce Second World War 'immediate' 1942 'Western Desert' M.C. and...

A particularly fine and scarce Second World War ‘immediate’ 1942 ‘Western Desert’ M.C. and ‘Battle of Gazala’ Second Award Bar group of six awarded to Major G. F. Carnell, 42nd Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment, a veteran of tank warfare in the desert, he led a force of 7 Matilda tanks with limited artillery and infantry support against 50 enemy tanks with infantry support near Derna, Libya, 13 April 1942. Despite the end result being obvious, Carnell’s force managed to inflict damage - with him at the epicentre, until his tank was immobilised by two direct hits. Carnell evacuated his crew, and then hid with them in a well. The enemy returned to leaguer around the well position for the remainder of the day, and overnight. They left in the morning, and Carnell and his men where then able to surface and cover the 9 miles trek back to Allied Lines.

Carnell went on command his Squadron of Matildas during the disastrous attack on Sidra Ridge, 5 June 1942. After the death of his commanding officer during the Battle of Gazala, Carnell assumed command of 42nd Battalion, R.T.R. He was wounded himself during fighting around the Knightsbridge Box, when his tank received a direct hit

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1942’, with Second Award Bar, reverse officially dated ‘1943’, unnamed as issued; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (Capt. G. F. Carnell. R. Tks.) mounted as originally worn, very fine (6) £2,800-£3,200

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M.C. London Gazette 4 August 1942:

‘On April 13th at about midday in the vicinity of Pt. 133 (U.889 - 1/250,000 Derna).

Captain Carnell was in command of a small force of seven ‘I’ tanks. With him were two Pls. of Infantry and some anti-tank guns and armoured cars. They were ordered to move forward to a limited objective at the above location. Soon after reaching the objective they were attacked by an enemy force of some fifty Mk. III and IV tanks together with some infantry in lorries. Although greatly outnumbered, Captain Carnell engaged the enemy who closed rapidly on him. He was soon over-run but continued to direct the fight with great gallantry and dash, and to fight his tank. Soon several of his tanks were knocked out while two of the enemy were seen to be on fire, and one or two others disabled. He continued to move about firing and encouraging his tanks by wireless. Soon his tank was immobilised by a direct hit on the suspension; nevertheless Captain Carnell continued to direct its fire against the enemy, until a shell bursting on his turret, jammed it and put the gun out of action. The fight now rapidly passed away from his area, and he ordered the evacuation of his tank and though they now came under small arms fire, he led his crew to the cover of a well, where they hid awaiting a chance to regain their lines. The enemy, however, returned and leaguered round the well for the remainder of the day and that night. In the morning Captain Carnell waited until the enemy withdrew and then led his crew back the nine miles to his lines.

Captain Carnell’s gallantry, determination and devotion to duty in directing his force and fighting his tank although greatly outnumbered was the means of enabling the remainder of the small force to withdraw. Of his seven tanks, six were destroyed by the enemy, while they in turn suffered considerable loss, though they were able to recover their tanks during the night.’


M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 18 February 1943:

‘Gazala - Sidra - Knightsbridge - 27 May to 13 June 42.

This officer commands a squadron of Matilda Tanks. Between 27 May and 4 June his squadron was continually employed with columns of infantry and artillery operating against the enemy in the Acroma and “Cauldron” Areas. On the 5 June, his Sqn. took part in the attack on Sidra. The tanks encountered fierce anti-tank gun fire, were held up by an unexpected mine-field and blinded by a smoke screen laid by the enemy. Notwithstanding this, Major Carnell led his Sqn. onto their objective.

His Commanding Officer then being killed and the Second-in-Command wounded, Major Carnell then assumed command of the battalion. During the following week he was continually in operation against the enemy in the area Acroma - El Adem - Tamar.

On 13 June he led his tanks in an attack against the enemy in the Knightsbridge area where they again encountered fierce anti-tank gun fire. He continued to fight and direct his Sqn. in action until his own tank was knocked out and he himself wounded.

Throughout he has commanded his Sqn. with ability and courage, and has shown a complete disregard of his own personal safety in the destruction of the enemy.’

George Frederick Carnell served during the Second World War with the 42nd Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment initially as part of the 1st Army Tank Brigade, 50th Division during the Western Desert Campaign. He distinguished himself in Matilda tanks during fighting around Derna, Libya in April 1942. Carnell advanced to Captain and Temporary Major, and continued to serve with his unit in the Western Desert. The 42nd Battalion, R.T.R. served as part of the 32nd Army Tank Brigade, 1st Armoured Division, 30 Corps during the Battle of Gazala. Due to casualties Carnell took command of the Battalion during the Battle of Gazala, and despite being wounded managed to distinguish himself again during the actions in and around the Acroma, Knightsbridge and El Adem boxes. He had earlier taken part in the disastrous attack on Sidra Ridge, 5 June 1942, when the the Brigade lost approximately 50 of its 70 tanks whilst being repelled by the 21st Panzer Division.

Sold with the following original related documentation: named Buckingham Palace invitation to recipient’s Investiture for the award of the Bar to his M.C., dated 10 January 1944; and War Officer copies of recipient’s respective citations.