Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War North West Europe immediate D.C.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant Henry Albert Thornton, 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (5951003 Sjt. H. A. Thornton, Ox & Bucks. L.I.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, together with a contemporary news cutting ‘Charged Enemy Alone. Wallasey Sergeant Wins D.C.M.’, mounted for wearing, possible official correction to part of number, edge bruising and polished, otherwise nearly very fine (5) £2800-3200

D.C.M. London Gazette 10 May 1945.

The recommendation for an immediate award states: ‘Sergeant Henry Albert Thornton, 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. On the night of 16 February 1945, “B” Coy 43rd Lt Infty were ordered to capture a group of farmhouses to the east of the Reichswald and known to be held by the enemy. The objectives were quickly gained after a short sharp fight. While the Company was reorganising on the objective, however, a party of Germans with three spandaus established themselves about fifty to sixty yards from the objective, and opening fire caused casualties.

Sergeant Thornton - the platoon sergeant of No. 11 platoon - seeing that this development was hampering the reorganisation of the Company, immediately and alone, charged the enemy position firing his sub-machine-gun and throwing hand grenades. He killed four Germans and captured two; the remainder fled leaving the three spandaus on the field.

Sergeant Thornton, by his prompt and courageous action prevented what might have been a dangerous infiltration and certainly stopped many casualties being caused to his Company. His conduct in this successful action resulting in the capture of over thirty prisoners, was throughout an inspiration to his men and he behaved according to the high traditions of the NCOs of the Regiment.’