Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War M.C. group of five attributed to Captain G. E. S. Downes, Highland Light Infantry

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1945’; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany; Defence and War Medals, all unnamed as issued, mounted as worn; together with a Loyal Service Badge and a Prize Medal, inscribed, ‘Charlton Bowling Club, Shaw Shield 1914’, and ‘Ed. Downes, 1916’, 15ct. gold, hallmarks for Birmingham 1914, 7.35g., good very fine (7) £500-600

M.C. London Gazette 23 August 1945.

Recommendation states: ‘On 19 Apr. 45, “C” Coy., 6 H.L.I., was ordered to attack the village of Hebendof, North-east of Saltau, where an enemy force, estimated at 50 strong, were offering stubborn resistance. Lieut. Downes who was in command of No.13 Pl. personally led two of his sections into the enemy lines, succeeded in taking the enemy by surprise and inflicted considerable casualties on him. Before his Pl. H.Q., and the remainder of his Pl., were able to join him, Lt Downes’ force came under heavy and accurate Spandau and bazooka fire. This was followed by a counter-attack which Lt. Downes, by his skilful and daring leadership, was instrumental in repulsing. The enemy then concentrated his full force on that of Lt. Downes, but the latter held his ground until ordered to withdraw, when he conducted a limited and skilful disengagement. As a result of this action, Lt. Downes was able to give a detailed account of the enemy’s dispositions.

During a second attack the same day, Lt. Downes’ Pl. suffered several casualties. With total disregard for his own personal safety, Lt. Downes so comported himself in full view of the enemy and under their fire that his depleted Pl took its objective and inflicted several casualties on the enemy.

By his detirmination and courageous and skilful leadership, Lt. Downes was largely resposible for his Coy’s success at a vital phase of the operation in which the Unit was engaged’.

Sold with copied recommendation and copied forwarding slip.