Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The original D.S.O. warrant to Captain K. T. Tilden, South Africa Engineers, who was decorated for gallantry in Italy in July 1944, in the name of ‘Kenyon Tildon Gilson, Esquire, Major (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) in the Military Forces of the Union of South Africa’, dated 8 February 1945, with the King’s signature to top right, in good overall condition
£60-80

Kenyon Tilden Gilson was recommended for an immediate D.S.O. while serving on attachment to H.Q. 6th (South African) Armoured Division in 13 Corps:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and outstanding leadership under enemy fire. During the advance of 6th S.A. Armoured Division from Radda to Greve, the Divisional Engineers built five Bailey Bridges under intense enemy shell and mortar fire, under the personal direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Gilson, whose cheerful devotion to duty and complete disregard of personal safety largely contributed to keeping the speed of the Division’s advance. Eventually, on 23 July 1944, just south of Greve, particularly heavy enemy shell fire had driven the Engineers from their position, but in order to maintain the impetus of the advance, Lieutenant-Colonel Gilson, in spite of this particularly heavy fire, insisted on personally visiting the site to complete his reconnaissance, and calmly carried on his reconnaissance until wounded so seriously that he had to be evacuated.’

Gilson had earlier been mentioned in despatches for his services in the 8th Army in North Africa (London Gazette 30 June 1942 refers), and he was finally demobilised in June 1946.