The Legacy of Harold R. Couling’s WWII Medals
Sold for £43,000
A Remarkable Sale: The Legacy of Harold R. Couling’s WWII Medals
In a remarkable event that captured the attention of history enthusiasts and collectors alike, a group of nine WWII medals, including the esteemed George VI Distinguished Conduct Medal, found a new home for a staggering £43,000 at Drakes Auctions in Tavistock.
The medals, which were awarded to 7384504 A. Cpl. H. R. Couling (affectionately known as Harry) of the Royal Army Medical Corps (R.A.M.C), represent a tangible connection to the bravery and service of those who fought in the Second World War. The collection included the following prestigious accolades:
- George VI Distinguished Conduct Medal (1st type), in its original box of issue
- Defence Medal
- War Medal
- Italy Star
- Africa Star
- France & Germany Star
- 1939-1945 Star
- George V Silver Jubilee Medal
- George VI Imperial Service Medal
Accompanying these medals were ribbons (not attached), and a Mentioned in Despatches Oak leaf, all of which add to the historical significance of the collection.
Interest peaked over the weekend preceding the sale, with pre-auction bidding reaching a notable £20,500. The fervour continued as two determined phone bidders engaged in a spirited contest, driving the final hammer price to £43,000. With fees included, the total acquisition cost amounted to £53,330.
This sale not only highlights the value placed on military memorabilia but also honours the memory of individuals like Harold R. Couling, whose service and sacrifice continue to resonate with us today. The medals, now in the hands of a new custodian, ensure that the stories of courage and dedication from a pivotal time in our history will not be forgotten.
Harold Roy Couling was parachute jump trained on Course 12 at RAF Ringway, which consisted of 7 descents. This course was made up of men from 1st Para Brigade and 1st RE Para Sqn.
His citation for his DCM award reads as follows:
On Tuesday 19 September 1944 Cpl Couling was the NCO in charge of a building housing 100 patient of a main dressing station run by 181 Air Landing Field Ambulance. On succeeding days up to 25 September the building was the centre of heavy fighting and frequent shelling. this NCO first organised a ration supply for his patients by going out between the opposing forces to collect stores from wrecked vehicles and abandoned buildings. When the civilian water supply was cut off he organised an emergency supply in a rubber dinghy and supervised the rationing. On many occasions he went to give medical aid to carry in the wounded, enemy and British alike. He organised the routine of the wards and treatment of his patients in such an efficient manner that no one could have done more for them in similar circumstances. On several days shelling and small arms fire around the building prevented the visits of MOs and Cpl Couling performed minor operations under local anaesthetics. By 25 September, 160 wounded were accommodated in his building and from 19 September until the final evacuation on 25 September only one man died there. When one room was wrecked by fire from an SP gun, this NCO rescued the patients from the debris and treated them. When injured by shell fire on 23 September Cpl Couling used an inverted floor brush as a crutch and continued in the care of his patients. Although his premises were occupied by the enemy, he made repeated journeys in the open to carry British and German casualties and to supervise the care of his ambulance transport. When all patients had been evacuated, this NCO collected all remaining rations, medical stores and equipment, organised a truck for his orderlies and re-joined his patients to continue his work in a prison hospital. Throughout the week when he was in charge of this hospital Cpl Couling showed great bravery and devotion to duty and his behaviour was in keeping with the highest traditions of his Corps.
