British Army WW2 Dunkirk 1940 Gloucestershire Regiment Military Medal group of three comprising Military Medal named to 5186290 L/Cpl R L E Mayo, 1939/1945 Star and Defence Medal. The 5th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment were fighting in the French village of Ledringhem on the 28th and 29th May 1940. On the 28th Ledringhem became surrounded by the enemy who were attacking on four sides, and this was confirmed this when a dispatched rider sent to Brigade Headquarters failed to return. At half past seven in the evening the enemy commenced an intense mortar bombardment, obviously preparing for a large scale attack. The accounts then state: There were short, sharp bursts of mortar bombardment, followed by airburst artillery over the village. Soon after this had begun two runners got into Battalion Headquarters from Brigade, Lance-Corporals Barnfield and Mayo of a "C" Company platoon which had been detached at Reitweld, farther to the north, but which had been withdrawn to Brigade Headquarters earlier on. It had taken them four hours to complete the three miles to Ledringhem, through strong enemy positions, and they both received the M.M for their timely action and bravery. The message they brought was of the utmost importance, and if they had not got through there would have been little hope for survival of the Battalion. The orders were to break out and make towards Bambecque where they would join up with the remainder of the Brigade. After sustaining many casualties the majority of the Battalion, including L.Cpl. Barnfield, managed to slip out that night and the following day received a warm welcome from the 8th Worcesters at Bambecque. Mayo was not so lucky and that night was taken Prisoner of War and he was held in Marlag und Milag Nord P.O.W camp, Westertimke, which was liberated on 3rd May 1945. The lot inclues photos and paperwork