The Collection of Medals Formed by Bill and Angela Strong

Pair: Fusilier E. Hirst, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, wounded in action, Battle of Imjin, 23 April 1951

Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (2059758 Fus., R.N.F.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed, first with minor edge bruise, good very fine (2) £300-400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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Bernard Hirst was born in Elland, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire on 28 December 1919. A Labourer by occupation, he enlisted for 4 years service in the Royal Engineers (T.A.) on 24 August 1938. Served as a Sapper in the 43rd Battalion R.E. - 43rd (5th Duke of Wellington Regiment) A.A. Battalion R.E. (T.A.). He then enlisted as a Regular at Halifax on 22 February 1939. Hirst served with the Green Howards in the B.E.F., October 1939-17 April 1940; India, March-September 1942; Iraq, September 1942-March 1943; Middle East (Syria and Egypt), March-August 1943; Italy, August 1943-June 1944; Middle East, June 1944-March 1945; N.W. Europe, March 1945-March 1946. Transferred to Section ‘B’ Reserve in June 1946, he was recalled in August 1950 and posted to the 1st Battalion Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. He served in Korea/Japan, 10 October 1950-26 October 1951, being wounded in action at the battle of Imjin on 23 April 1951 - suffering a gunshot wound to the forehead. He was treated at 3 U.C. Divisional C.C.S.; 382nd General Hospital; U.S. General Hospital, Osaka and BCOF General Hospital. Placed on the Reserve List of the 29th Infantry Brigade, 16 May 1951, he was posted to Japan, June 1951-October 1951 where he was employed as a Regimental Policeman. Transferred home, he was discharged to Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 23 November 1951. Awarded the 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals. With copied service notes.