Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine post-war B.E.M. group of nine awarded to Sergeant J. T. Dalton, Royal Engineers, a Parachute Instructor who fought with the 1st Airborne Division at Arnhem

British Empire Medal (Military) E.II.R. (1877365 Sgt., R.E.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; France and Germany Star; Defence & War Medals; General Service 1918-62, 3 clasps, Palestine 1945-48, Near East, Cyprus (1877365 Cpl., R.E.); Coronation 1953; Regular Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (1877365 Sgt., R.E.) all but the last mounted as worn, together with Regular Army Certificate of Service which verifies all medals and clasps, generally very fine or better (9) £800-1000

B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1955.

The recommendation states: ‘Sgt Dalton began his Airborne Service by qualifying as a parachutist in 1943 and in 1944 fought with the 1st Airborne Division at Arnhem.

In the course of his tour with AATDC [Army Airtransport Training & Development Centre] as an Instructor and later as Senior Sergeant Instructor Sgt Dalton has shown qualities which prove him to be an NCO of the highest intelligence and efficiency.

He has been responsible for instructing officers and NCO’s of all Arms in the preparation of heavy equipment for parachuting and in the loading of equipment into aircraft for movement by air, both in this country and in the Middle East. He is an exceptionally competent instructor who’s strong personality has been apparent at all times. His bearing and manner is exemplary and is particularly suited to the sometimes difficult task of instructing officers. Recently he has been involved in instructing, assisting and supervising units of 16 Airborne Division (TA) in parachuting heavy equipment on platforms from rear-loading aircraft, being largely responsible for the successful dropping of 150 loads in the last 15 months. On TA exercises his efforts are untiring and no matter how long the hours to be worked he has given of his best. All units of the TA with which he has worked have commented on his ability and efficiency.

Sgt Dalton is an experienced parachutist who has made over 70 descents. Over the last five years he has cheerfully accepted the risks attendant on experimental parachuting, having in many cases dropped with experimental equipment. The present advanced stage of heavy equipment dropping owes a great deal to his suggestions, and to his willingness to offer himself for test work at considerable personal risk. He has consistently accepted much more responsibility than would normally be placed on a Sergeant and has put in much longer hours of work, voluntarily and without complaint, than could have been expected of him. He has shown an example of leadership, enthusiasm, intelligence, cheerfulness and drive which does the greatest credit to his Corps and the Army.’