Military Medal GVIR (830118 BMBR. F.S. ATHERTON. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45 - unnamed as awarded.
Francis Samuel Atherton was born in Manchester on 16 December 1904. He enlisted with the Royal Artillery in 1933 and was still active on 18 May 1938. At the time of the 1939 Register he was a Sheet Erector at a Construction Engineers firm living at 3 James Place, Manchester.
Atherton was part of the British Expeditionary Force in France in 1940. He served with the 54th (Queen's Own Royal Glasgow Yeomanry) Anti-Tank Regiment, RA who had been mobilised in 1939 as part of the 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Division, the regiment moved to France as a part of the 'Second B.E.F' in June 1940. The were evacuated from France during Operation Aerial, together with the rest of the division, but not before Atherton had distinguished himself in action, earning the Military Medal for his bravery on 15 June 1940.
The citation for his award reads thus:-
"On 15 June 5 H.L.I. withdrew from position near Fessicie leaving the the guns of C Troop 213 Battery in exposed positions with the enemy. Although wounded, Bdr Atherton covered the safe withdrawal of the remainder of the troop guns by the small arms fire of his detachment and although again wounded, later successfully evacuated his guns and detachment. This N.C.O. showed coolness and courage in action of a high order."
The official records reflect that Atherton was Wounded in Action on 17 June 1940. Having been released in the rank of Lance Sergeant on 20 February 1941, his campaign medals were posted to him on 2 October 1948 to 91 Ryder Street, Collyhurst, Manchester.
He died on 6 November 1989.
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold with some research including the copy citation.
