Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War ‘Sicily Operations’ M.C. group of eight awarded to Major V. A. Thomas, Middlesex Regiment

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1943’; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oakleaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (Maj., M.C., Mx.), mounted for wear, first and last with contact marks, about very fine and better (8) £1200-1400

M.C. London Gazette 21 October 1943. ‘For gallant and distinguished service in Sicily’. ‘Lieutenant (temporary Captain), The Middlesex Regiment (London, E.12)’.

Recommendation states: ‘During the advance of 152 Bde to Francofonte on the 13th July the 5 Seaforths came under very heavy Mortar and M.G. fire at very close quarters from enemy paratroops concealed in the numerous olive orchards along the route. The inf. were pinned to their ground and in places forced to withdraw. Capt. Thomas Comd. “B” Coy at once sized up the situation. He personally led two of his M.G. Pls on to a feature where the guns engaged the enemy. He directed the fire himself and caused considerable casualties to be inflicted on the enemy and forced them to halt their advance, thus giving the inf. a chance to stabilise their line. Later in the afternoon the advance of the 5 Cameronians (?) was held up in a similar manner. Capt Thomas once again organised and directed the fire of the Machine Gun Pl whose Comd had been killed during the fighting. Throughout the day when fighting was taking place with less than 100 yds separating our tps from the enemy the example set by Capt Thomas both to the inf of the Bde as well as to the men of his own coy, proved a great inspiration. Though constantly under heavy and accurate M.G. and Mortar fire he moved calmly, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, from section to section encouraging the men and directing their fire. His coolness, unflagging energy and detirmination to come to grips with the enemy caused considerable casualties to be inflicted upon them and undoubtedly prevented the enemy from exploiting the initial surprise they had gained’.

M.I.D. London Gazette 13 January 1944. ‘For gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East’.

Victor Arthur Thomas, appointed a Lieutenant in the Middlesex Regiment on 27 July 1940. Promoted War Substantive Captain and appointed Temporary Major in December 1943. Sold with some copied research.