A Second World War ‘Desert Rats’ M.M Group, awarded to Trooper J. Bell (7th Hussars)
comprising Military Medal, 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Burma Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Regular Army), mounted to bar, with matching ribbon bar, M.M named to '854960 Tpr. J. Bell 7-H', the other medals named "854960 Sgt. J. Bell".

Sold together with a letter signed by Commander-in-Chief of Middle East, Archibald Worrell congratulating Bell for "coolness and courage in action at Mechili on January 24th 1941, for which you have been awarded the MILITARY MEDAL"; an invitation to Buckingham Palace from the War Office, dated 11th July 1945, for the presentation of the Military Medal; a Hussar's handkerchief; a letter of pension and thanks after 25 years service in the British Army; a newspaper cut-out of Sgt. Bell meeting General Sir Richard N. Gale in Germany; an invitation card from Lt. Colonel Charles Timothy Llewellen Palmer, dated 1955; two black and white photographs of Bell and a copy of 'The Seventh and Three Enemies' by Brigadier G.M.O Davy.

Further included are a number of Hussar's badges; H.Q Squadron B.A.O.R 1954 Cross Country medal and a Garrard mantel timepiece with the presentation inscription 'Presented to Sgt. Bell. M.M. by the W.O's & Sgt's Mess'.

The Military Medal citation reads:
"During the action at MECHILI on January 24th, 1941, this man was a 2 pounder gunner on a Cruiser Tank. During the action two of our three Cruisers were put out of action. On the order to withdraw, the Cruiser which Tpr Bell was in could not be made to start for 10 minutes, during which period at least 8 enemy medium tanks had approached to within 400 yards. Tpr Bell single-handed kept an extremely rapid (55 rounds in 10 minutes), determined and accurate fire and accounted for at least 2 of the enemy tanks and certainly kept the remainder at bay. It was the cool action on the part of this gunner that enabled the two damaged tanks to limp out of action and undoubtedly saved the crew of his own tank.

FW Byass
Cmdg
7th Hussars"