War hero’s ‘extremely rare’ bravery medals sold at auction

An “extremely rare” set of medals won by a Scots hero for bravery during the Second World War has been sold for £10,000 at auction.

Company Sergeant Major Richard Lightfoot won the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) and Military Medal (MM) fighting the Japanese in Burma.

He was one of only six men to receive both prestigious awards in the Burma campaign, and the only Seaforth Highlander to receive both throughout the entire war.

At the Battle of Imphal, Lightfoot rescued a wounded man from no-man’s land under mortar fire, then later single-handedly located and shot a hidden enemy sniper who was attempting to pick off members of the company.

Victory helped turn one of the war’s most brutal campaigns in the Allies’ favour.

The gallantry medals, together with Lightfoot’s 1939-45 Star, Burma Star, and Defence and War Medals 193945, were sold by London auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb, to a private overseas bidder.

Spokesman Will Bennett said: “Lightfoot was one of the great Second World War heroes of the Seaforth Highlanders - the only man in the regiment to win both the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal.

“He was everywhere during the battle - encouraging his men, rescuing the wounded, and taking the fight to the enemy - and was a superb Company Sergeant Major.”

The Burma campaign was fought in the British colony by the forces of the british empire and China, with support from the United States, against the Imperial Japan, Thailand, and the Indian National Army.

The Battle of Imphal and the simultaneous battle at Kohima were the turning point, and saved India from Japanese invasion. Japanese armies attempted to destroy the Allied forces and invade India, but were driven back into Burma with heavy losses.

Lightfoot’s conduct was described as being of an “outstandingly high order”.

The recommendation for his DCM reads: “By his coolness under heavy fire he was an inspiration to all the men of his Company.

“When casualties occurred he was immediately on the spot, and personally attended to the wounded until they could be taken over by the M.O.

“During both nights whilst the fighting was at its fiercest, he continued to move from one part of the perimeter to another to encourage the men. Throughout, he showed unflinching courage and devotion to duty .”

For the Military Medal, it reads: “In action he has been cool, brave and at all times showed a complete disregard for danger.”