NMR Medal Group + Bank Note Signed at Start of Battle of El-Alamein

A stunning lot, consisting of three medals awarded to 1181 H.J. Calder-Potts of the Natal Mounted Rifles - War Medal, Africa Star with 8th Army Bar and 39-45 Star.

Also included is a framed Italian 100 Lire bank note, signed by all the members of Calder-Potts' platoon on the eve of the Battle of El-Alamein.

The inscription on the bank note reads: "1st NMR, 2nd Brig. A Company, No.4 Platoon. 23/10/42. El-Allamein." The Battle of El-Alamein began on the evening of October 23, 1942, so hours after they signed this note these brave men would have been in the thick of the battle! 

There are about 60 signatures on the note, many of whose names are found under A Company in the NMR's nominal roll when the regiment left South Africa in 1940 (see picture). Calder-Potts is also mentioned in the book "The Official NMR History" as having represented the regiment in playing polo.

The medals are in good condition, with some scratching. The bank note is framed in a double-sided frame. The signatures are all legible, but the edges of the note do have some water damage (see pictures).