Military Medal group, Driver R Dundas, Royal Army Service Corps

Military Medal gazetted 2 May 1941, awarded to T/78491 Driver R Dundas, Royal Army Service Corps.

Circular, silver medal, with portrait of King George VI on the obverse. On the reverse is the inscription, 'For Bravery in the Field', encircled by a wreath and surmounted by a royal cypher and crown. The recipient's name, rank, unit and number are inscribed on the edge of the medal. The medal is suspended by a red, white and dark blue striped ribbon.

The medal group comprises: Military Medal, 1939-45 Star, Defence Medal 1939-45 and the British War Medal 1939-45.

The Military Medal was awarded to British Army personnel and other arms of the armed forces, other ranks, for bravery in battle on land and whilst under fire. Established on 25 March 1916, with retrospective application to 1914, it could only be awarded to men until a Royal Warrant of 21 June 1916 extended eligibility to include women. It was discontinued in 1993 and replaced by the Military Cross which was extended to all ranks.

The recommendation of Military Intelligence 9.b/463 states that Dundas:'Showed considerable fortitude and determination. After having been badly wounded and undergone an operation, he escaped while still convalescent. A brave performance.'

A further MI9 report (S/P.G. (F)192) gives an account, from an interview with Brigadier N A D Brookes and Lieutenant-Colonel A M Anstruther, of the escape by Dundas who was captured with wounds in both legs and his left arm and was taken prisoner, outside St Valery, as a stretcher case on 12 June 1940.

Dundas was moved around hospitals in Fougeres, Rouen and Doullens where he escaped in civilian clothing on 10 September 1940. He travelled through France to Spain and finally left Gibraltar on 14 February 1941 and arrived at Gourock, Scotland 23 February 1941. Dundas had served in the army for one year and one month by 24 February. His peacetime profession was a labourer and his home address was 3 Kinkardine Street, Dundee.