Orders, Decorations and Medals

A scarce Second World War Greece operations M.M. group of six awarded to Lance-Corporal J. Thorne, H.Q. Squadron, Royal Armoured Corps, who was decorated for his bravery in operations against elements of E.L.A.S. in 1944-5

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (7906273 L. Cpl. J. Thorne, R.A.C.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, the first with officially re-impressed naming, very fine and better (6) £400-500

M.M. London Gazette 21 June 1945. The original recommendation - for a B.E.M. - states:

‘During the period under review, the above Lance-Corporal has at all times performed his duties as a Scout Car driver with great zeal and ability. In addition to maintaining his Scout Car in perfect working order at a time when every vehicle was vital, he has always fulfilled whatever task he has been given to the highest possible degree.

Since the start of the ELAS disturbances in Greece, being the only Scout Car driver in the barracks, he has been on call at all hours of the day and night and has performed his duties with eagerness and cheerfulness. For several days he did DR runs for the Royal Signals along roads covered by ELAS machine-gun fire, always getting through regardless of any personal risk. When a company of 2nd Battalion, The King’s, was at the infantry barracks in Athens, he took the Company Commander on several recces into Ambelokipoi area, where there were concentrations of ELAS troops, under heavy small arms and machine-gun fire.

Throughout this period, he has displayed great personal courage, determination and devotion to duty.’

Jack Thorne was serving in the H.Q. Squadron, R.A.C., part of 23 Armoured Brigade in “Arkforce” at the time of the above cited deeds.