A superb second world war Normandy immediate DSO medal group awarded to Captain Ronald Valentine MacNamara, Monmouthshire Regiment (attached 1st Dorset Regiment), who was initially recommended for an immediate Victoria Cross by his Commanding Officer for leading a bayonet charge, killing two German machine gunners with his revolver and displaying conspicuous gallantry at Les Landes, Normandy, on 30th of July 1944. This was the opening day of Operation Bluecoat. 

Distinguished Service Orderr, GVIR, reverse dated 1945 unnamed as issued 
1939-45 Star unnamed as issued 
Africa Star unnamed as issued 
Italy Star unnamed as issued 
France & Germany Star unnamed as issued 
WW2 Defence Medal unnamed as issued 
War Medal 1939-45 unnamed as issued 

The DSO is in mint condition and comes in original box of issue.

The group comes with the original Warrant for the DSO with citation, original forwarding slip for the Warrant, original citation for the DSO, a copy of his obituary from the Royal Regiment of Wales journal, a photo of him and other members of the Dorsets at a Buckingham Palace presentation, a copy of his original citation showing initial recommendation for VC and a copy newspaper article regarding his appearance at Pontypridd Magistrates in April 1948.

His recommendation for an immediate award of the V.C. reads:

  ‘For outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty at LES LANDES on 30th July 44.

  Capt. MacNamara’s company came up against stiff opposition from spandaus and rifle grenades fired from some houses and slit trenches covering the approaches. Without hesitation he at once appreciated that such a vital position covering a large part of the Battalion’s objective must be taken immediately if the Battalion advance was to continue.

  Capt. MacNamara, therefore, collected eight man from his reserve platoon, and personally led them in a bayonet charge across the open against the well concealed enemy positions in and around the buildings. Capt. McNamara was the first to reach the enemy positions, and personally shot two of the enemy machine gunners with his revolver, and with two men (the remainder having become casualties during the charge) he cleared the enemy from their positions capturing and killing most of them. 

  Fifteen of the enemy, however, escaped from the back of the house and got into slit trenches in a hedge at the far end of the field. Capt. MacNamara followed them up so quickly with fire and movement that all of them surrendered to him.

  Capt. McNamara then led his company to their final objective, despite the fact that they suffered fairly heavy casualties as the advance had to be made down a forward slope in full view of the enemy. The enemy immediately started to infiltrate round the flank of the company, and began a counter attack against the enemy of the company. Capt. MacNamara, showing complete disregard for his own safety, and despite heavy mortar and spandau fire, walked from position to position encouraging the men to stand firm. As a result, the enemy were driven off, but not before Capt. McNamara had been severely wounded in the leg. Despite his wound he lay cheering his men on until he was evacuated by stretcher bearers. His outstanding leadership and courage was an inspiration to all ranks.”