A fine post-War ‘Civil Division’ M.B.E., Second War ‘North West Europe’ M.C. group of ten awarded to Major A. Ayling, Royal Artillery, for his gallantry at Villers-Bocage on 13 June 1944, for which services he was initially recommended for the D.S.O.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated 1944; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (Capt. A. Ayling. M.C. R.A.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed as issued, mounted court-style as worn, generally good very fine (10) £2,400-£2,800

M.B.E. London Gazette 12 June 1982: Major Anthony Ayling, M.C., Retired Officer Grade II, Ministry of Defence.

M.C. London Gazette 31 August 1944:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Normandy.’

The original Recommendation (originally for a D.S.O.) states: ‘On 13 June 1944 Lieutenant Ayling was in charge of a Section of M.10s in support of 8 Hussars. “Tigers” were reported in the area of Tracy Bocage and Lieutenant Ayling’s section went off to ding them. He arrived to find they had withdrawn, so continued on towards the village to find them. By this time his section was without other close support. On being heavily mortared, he dismounted and proceeded on foot alone, and with his Bren gun forced the mortar detachments to withdraw. His section was again stopped and Lieutenant Ayling again dismounted and knocked out three mortar detachments, killing one crew of three complete. During this period he was fully exposed to snipers, automatic and mortar fire.
His section advanced further and cleared the whole village. He was in the village about an hour.
This officer by his complete disregard of his own personal safety, his dash and initiative, was not only an outstanding example to his section, but was responsible for clearing the enemy from a village of great tactical value to them.’

Anthony Ayling was born in South Africa on 16 June 1921, the son of a serving gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery, who had been awarded the D.C.M. during the Great War, and arrived back in the U.K. with his parents in December of that year. He joined the Royal Artillery as a boy soldier in April 1936, and was commissioned Lieutenant (Quartermaster) on 17 August 1942. He served with the 65th (Norfolk Yeomanry) Anti-tank Regiment during the Normandy campaign, and for his gallantry at Villers-Bocage on 13 June 1944 was awarded the Military Cross.

Ayling was promoted captain on 16 June 1948, and saw further service in Korea. Promoted major on 16 June 1955, his final posting was with an anti-aircraft regiment in the U.K., and he retired as major on 30 June 1961.

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