Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War North Africa operations M.M. group of five awarded to Private E. Rossiter, Royal Sussex Regiment, who was decorated for his gallantry during a night attack on Dj El Meida Hill in April 1943, on which occasion ‘he showed great dash and determination to close with and kill the enemy’

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6408187 Pte. E. Rossiter, R. Suss. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine or better (5) £1000-1200

M.M. London Gazette 8 July 1943. The original recommendation for an immediate award - approved by Montgomery - states:

‘On the night of 5-6 April 1943, during 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment’s attack on the Dj El Meida Hill, north-west of Wadi Akarit, Private Rossiter showed courage, dash and initiative of the highest order. His company was under very heavy and accurate mortar fire in a narrow wadi. He showed great coolness and complete disregard of his own safety and was of great help to his Platoon Commander and Platoon Sergeant in rallying and re-organising the Platoon during a difficult change of direction which had to be made in the darkness. In the subsequent advance and attack on the objective, he showed great dash and determination to close with and kill the enemy. Throughout the next day, he showed great coolness under heavy fire during consolidation. His fearless conduct was a very fine example to the rest of his platoon and is worthy of the highest praise.’

Edward Rossiter was a native of Eastbourne.