Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Second World War North Africa operations M.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant C. L. Eveleigh, 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, Army Air Corps, who was decorated for his gallantry in Tunisia in February 1943 - when he carried out an attack ‘so vigorously that over fifty of the enemy were killed’: it was during this action that enemy leaflets were found detailing how to deal with the “Red Devils” - the first occasion that the Paras heard about their nickname

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (5617901 Sjt. C. L. Eveleigh, A.A.C.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf, good very fine or better (6) £2500-3000

M.M. London Gazette 22 April 1943. The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 26 February 1943 at Ragoubet El Arada. This N.C.O. took over command of his platoon when his officer was killed and immediately required to carry out an immediate counter-attack in an unexpected direction. He carried out this attack so vigorously that over 50 of the enemy were killed and a strong enemy thrust was driven back. One pocket consisting of a Company Commander and three men held out in a trench and Sergeant Eveleigh personally assaulted this post and himself killed the machine-gunner. He showed leadership and complete disregard for his own safety in this engagement and in the rest of the action which lasted all day.’

Cyril Leonard Eveleigh, a native of Holsworthy, Devon, was serving in ‘A’ Company, under Major S. Terrell, 3rd Parachute Regiment (A.A.C.), a component of the 1st Parachute Brigade, at the time of the above cited action in Tunisia on 26 February 1943. On that occasion a mixed enemy force of Germans and Italians launched what was described as a savage onslaught, but ‘A’ and ‘B’ Companies held their ground - the former largely thanks to Eveleigh’s most gallant exertions. Enemy casualties amounted to 400 killed or wounded, and 200 taken prisoner, while 3/Para suffered losses of 14 killed and 40 wounded: the latter’s reputation as “Red Devils” was secure.