Orders, Decorations and Medals

A good Second World War Italy operations M.C. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant A. J. C. Reeves, Green Howards, attached 2nd Battalion, The King’s Regiment: pinned down by heavy fire for 36 hours during the crossing of the River Gari, he took the initiative and ‘crawled forward 50 yards alone with a P.I.A.T. and shot up an enemy strong point in a house causing one Warrant Officer and six men to surrender’

Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ‘1945’; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals; Police L.S. & G.C., E.II.R. (Inspr. Alfred J. C. Reeves), good very fine and better (7) £1200-1400

M.C. London Gazette 19 April 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘This officer has fought with the Battalion in every action in which it has been engaged. From 15 March to 23 July 1944, he commanded a platoon and from 23 July onwards he commanded a company with accelerated promotion which his outstanding leadership and proved ability earned for him.

At the crossing of the River Gari on the night of 11-12 May 1944, his Company Commander was wounded and Lieutenant Reeves took command of his company which successfully held its ground across the river for 36 hours when the advance was continued. Throughout this period of 36 hours the company was pinned to the ground by the most concentrated small arms, mortar and shell fire, yet in order to coincide with a flanking movement by another Battalion, he crawled forward 50 yards alone with a P.I.A.T. and shot up an enemy strong point in a house causing one Warrant Officer and six men to surrender.

At Meleto on 23 July 1944, Lieutenant Reeves’ Company Commander having been wounded, he again found himself in command of a company. This time he remained in command for the remainder of the campaign to the River Arno.

He instilled the most active enthusiasm into every man of his company and commanded their devoted loyalty. As a commander of men, this officer is most outstanding, at all times his fortitude and cheerful devotion to duty has been a stirring example to all ranks under his command and his personal participation in every action has been far in excess of the requirements of his duty.’

Alfred John Clinton Reeves, a native of Edlington, was recommended for his M.C. by the C.O., 2nd Battalion, The King’s Regiment.