Miniature Medals

A Burma campaign M.C. group of six awarded to Major H. Bleasby, Royal Artillery, who was seriously wounded in a Japanese ambush

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse dated 1945, and additionally inscribed ‘Major, R.A.’; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence & War Medals; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (Major, R.A.) this with official corrections, mounted as worn, together with named Buckingham Palace letter and H.Q. Fourteenth Army letter of congratulations, good very fine (6) £550-650

M.C. London Gazette 21 June 1945.

The recommendation states: “On the 26th February 1945, during the operations for the extension of the Nyangu Bridgehead on the Irrawaddy River, 4th Bn. 15th Punjab Regiment was ordered to send a mobile column consisting of one rifle coy less one platoon with an F.O.O. and one section of M.M.G.s to establish itself on the road Letpanchibaw - Ngatha Yauk with a task of cutting off any enemy retreating from the West. The column was proceeding along the road when it suddenly came under heavy fire from 3 machine guns, grenade discharger and rifle from a Jap position located on a high cutting astride the road. The leading platoon and the column HQ sustained heavy casualties and were pinned to the ground on an open piece of ground only 250 yds from the Jap position. Capt Bleasby 139 Field Regiment, R.A., was the F.O.O. with the party. He took up an exposed position on the side of the road and although under constant shell fire, machine gun fire and rifle fire he directed his guns onto the Jap position. The column commander then ordered him to lay a smoke screenon the position in order that the leading platoon could withdraw to a more suitable position and casualties could be evacuated. Before he could give his orders he was hit by a burst of Jap L.M.G. fire in his leg but in spite of this he carried on with his task of laying the smoke screen which enabled the forward platoon to extricate itself and bring all casualties back. Column HQ was then ordered to withdraw and Capt Bleasby returned to the first layback position. By this time he was weak from loss of blood but realising that the platoon covering the withdrawal would still need smoke support, he refused to be evacuated and continued giving orders until the whole force had returned. The example set by this officer who although seriously wounded remained at his post for more than one hour was of the highest order. His courage, action and devotion to duty inspired all who saw him.”