A Second War 1944 Burma operations M.M. group of five awarded to Gunner E. S. Kitchen, 9th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (276351 Gnr. E. S. Kitchen. R.A.) edge stamped ‘Duplicate’; 1939-45 Star ; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, with named card box of issue for M.M., this also marked ‘Duplicate’, generally good very fine (5) £500-600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards for Burma Operations during the Second World War.

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M.M. London Gazette 28 June 1945:

‘For continuous gallant service. Throughout the operations in the Bishenpur area from May to June 1944 Gnr. Kitchen showed outstanding devotion to duty and courage in his unflagging efforts to maintain his O. P. lines, which were long, exposed to enemy fire, and constantly being cut.

In particular on the night 19/20 May when the enemy attacked “Water Picquet” position, the line was cut by enemy shell fire on five separate occasions. Each time Gnr. Kitchen, with complete disregard for his own safety, went out and repaired the line, thus enabling much needed D.F. fire to be brought down. Again from 26 May to 4 June, as a member of a very much under strength O. P. party at “Evans Knob”, it was entirely due to Gunner Kitchen’s bravery, unfailing energy, and devotion to duty, often working alone, that kept his vital O. P. line through.

Gunner Kitchen’s work under shell fire, his cool courage and complete disregard for danger, his great zeal and devotion to duty in his determination to keep his O. P. line though at all costs, was of the very highest order, and was an inspiration to all those working with him.’

Ernest Sidney Kitchen was born in Essex, and resided at 37 Lessington Avenue, Romford.