Military Medal GVIR (830118 BMBR. F.S. ATHERTON. R.A.); 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45
830118 LSgt Frank Samuel Atherton 54th Anti Tank Regiment RA WIA Fall of France 12.7.1940 Awarded MM for Bravery France & Flanders LG 12.1940 Medically Disch 20.2.1941
According to the 1939 Register Atherton was a Steel Erector/Construction Engineer living at 3 James Place, Manchester
Atherton attested with the RA in 1933 and saw service with the 54th (Queen's Own Royal Glasgow Yeomanry) Anti-Tank Regiment, RA. in WWII.
His regiment was mobilised in 1939 as part of the 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Division, moving to France as a part of the 'Second B.E.F' in June 1940. After being evacuated from France during Operation Aerial together with the rest of the division the regiment trained in mountain warfare at Inveraray in Scotland. Shortly after arriving in France Atherton was wounded on 12 June 1940 - in what became known as the Battle of France - ultimately leading to the evacuation of the BEF from the beaches of Dunkirk.
He was awarded the Military Medal for Bravery in the Field "in recognition of Gallantry in France & Flanders" - the LG 20 December 1940, his citation read as follows:
"On 15 June 1940, 5th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry withdrew from positions near Ferriere leaving the guns of ‘C’ Troop, 213 Battery in exposed positions in direct contact with the enemy. Although wounded, Bombardier 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 gun and detachment. This N.C.O. showed coolness and courage of a high order".
His medals were issued to him at 91 Ryder Street, Collyhurst, Manchester on 2 October 1948.
Medals are in a good condition unless otherwise stated. Sold with copied research.
