A mounted group of twelve miniature dress medals representative of those worn by Yeoman...

A mounted group of twelve miniature dress medals representative of those worn by Yeoman Warder G. Armstrong, late Grenadier Guards Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R.; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Palestine 1945-48, Malaya; Coronation 1937; Coronation 1953; Army Meritorious Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army; Army Best Shot Medal, G.VI.R., mounted for display, very fine and better (12) £80-£100 --- Provenance: Ian McInnes Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, September 2007. D.C.M. London Gazette 15 June 1944: Drill Sergeant (A/C.S.M.) George Thomas Armstrong, 5th Battalion Grenadier Guards ‘During the fighting on the Anzio bridgehead the 5th Battalion Grenadier Guards was almost continuously in action from 25 January to 9 February 1944 and this Warrant Officer was acting as Regimental Sergeant Major. Throughout the period Drill Sergeant Armstrong was suffering severe pain from rheumatism, but refused to go sick. On the night of 7-8 February the enemy broke through the front and heavily attacked Battalion Headquarters, which was practically surrounded. This Warrant Officer led the defence with Tommy gun and hand grenades and by his extreme gallantry and powers of leadership succeeded in holding his position. He was twice blown over by enemy hand grenades, but this made no difference to his continued disregard for his own safety and his ability to fight the enemy with the means at his disposal. Throughout the period that the Battalion was in close contact with the enemy Drill Sergeant Armstrong’s cheerfulness and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all with whom he came in contact, and his conduct is deserving of the highest commendation’. George Thomas Armstrong won the Army Best Shot Medal in both 1951 and 1955 as Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant in the competition at Bisley for the Military Forces at Home. He was subsequently appointed a Yeoman Warder.