Devon Royal Marine sells medals for £150k 'for children's future'

Sergeant Major John Thompson served for 23 years

A Royal Marine from Devon has auctioned off his military medals for £150k.

Sergeant Major John Thompson, a Royal Marine Commando who lives in Barnstaple, said he sold the medals to give his children the best-possible opportunities.

The father-of-three received the commendations after carrying out tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Sergeant Major John Thompson with his son. Credit: Sergeant Major John Thompson

He was repeatedly recognised for his bravery in combat and for saving the lives of his comrades - having served for 23 years.

He is described as one of the most decorated soldiers of the modern era.

He was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for his actions in the Battle of the Sluice Gate, the second highest honour after the Victoria Cross - but has sold all seven of his medals. 

All seven medals are being sold at auction. Credit: ITV West Country

They were expected to sell for £120,000 but actually sold for a total of £150,000.

Speaking before the sale, Sergeant Major Thompson told ITV News: "I could keep the medals and they could be a family heirloom that goes down and down and that's lovely. I'm going to regret it, but it's all about context - it's what's more important.”

  • Sergeant Major Thompson speaks to ITV News before the sale

Christopher Mellor-Hill from Diz Noonan Webb auctioneers told ITV News how special the medals are.

“Very few have been awarded, generally for Afghanistan, some for Iraq and a couple for Sierra Leone and it has now become effectively almost as good as a Victoria Cross. 

“Most of us medal collectors would only dream of having a group of medals like this in our collection.”