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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 366

The 'Capture of the Canale Bianca 1945' M.M. group of six awarded to Lance Corporal J. Holton, 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, who charged forward under heavy fire and swept a Bridge with his Bren gun, allowing the rest of his unit to capture the vital crossing point even as it was rigged for demolition

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (3976638. L/Cpl. J. Holton. R. Fus.), the number officially corrected; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, slight contact marks, very fine (6)

M.M. London Gazette 13 December 1945, the original recommendation states:

'L/C. Holton has been conspicuous in his conduct in action during the period of the battles of the month of April.

On one occasion, when a Fusiliers, L/C. Holton was moving in a section when it came under fire from a strong enemy position on the North bank of the CANALE BIANCA.

Although the enemy fire from the North bank was intense and without waiting for orders L/C. Holton ran forward with his bren gun and despite snipers and Spandau fire brought such effective fire to bear on the enemy dug-in positions on the bank that his section were able to storm across and capture intact a vulnerable bridge prepared for demolition and also take the enemy position from the rear.

During the whole of this engagement L/C. Holton lay in an exposed position on the floodbank and continued firing his bren gun until all his ammunition was exhausted.

This is only one of many instances in which L/C. Holton has shown great gallantry and courage under heavy fire. Since he joined the Bn in January 1944 he has by his devotion to duty been an example and inspiration to his comrades.'

Note the Battalion received 33 M.M.s during the Campaign in Italy.

John Holton served with the Battalion in North Africa where they were in action for the first time in Tunisia at Enfidaville. They were present for the Salerno Landings and suffered severe losses at Battipaglia, afterwards they were present at the Second Battle of Monte Camino and the crossing of the River Garigliano.

In action again during the breaking of the Gothic Line they finished the war in Italy, with Holton winning his award for gallantry during the final pushes of the campaign, most notably the capture of the Canale Bianca. His medals were sent to him at 42 Wellcrope Close, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire; sold together with copied research.

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Estimate
£1,400 to £1,800

Starting price
£1200