A fine Second World War Burma operations M.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant T. H. Harris, Royal Artillery, whose Observation Post was twice destroyed by direct hits and then overrun

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (838216 Sjt. T. H. Harris, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals, together with R.A. cap badge, extremely fine (6) £1200-1400

M.M. London Gazette 6 June 1946. The original recommendation states:

‘During the period May to June 1944, Sergeant Harris was solely responsible for maintaining his Flash-Spotting O.P. in action at Bishenpur on Point 3750 where he was established in a small “box” held by two sections of Native Infantry. The “box” was being frequently shelled and attacked and the O.P. was isolated on many occasions. Sergeant Harris kept his men observing on the forward slope although the Native Infantry withdrew to the reverse slope during all periods of shelling. He personally saw to the constant repair of his vital telephone line to his Troop H.Q., crawling out himself under shell fire to maintain his lines.

On 22 June his O.P. received a direct hit destroying technical stores and wounding his men. Within an hour he had rebuilt the post, repaired his essential instruments and was again transmitting intelligence including the location of the H.Bs supporting the attack. The same night the “box” was attacked in strength and completely overrun. The post received a second direct hit and was again demolished. The position was defended with small arms for a short time, three of the enemy being killed. With the loss of one man killed and despite heavy attack with small arms fire, Sergeant Harris then successfully organised the withdrawal of his men, including the wounded, to the main position some 2000 yards away across ground by that time held by the enemy.

Throughout the whole period Sergeant Harris’ sense of responsibility, initiative and courage were of the very highest order.’

Thomas Henry Harris was serving in 43 Battery, 2nd Survey Regiment, R.A., at the time of the above cited deeds; sold with the original Buckingham Palace forwarding letter for his M.M. and wartime portrait photograph.