Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Second World War North Africa operations M.M. group of five awarded to Acting Sergeant, D. Firbank, Royal Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (788219 A./Sjt. D. Firbank, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (5) £800-1000

M.M. London Gazette 12 May 1942. The original recommendation - for a D.C.M. - states:

‘Sergeant Firbank commanded a Bofors gun detachment throughout the operations near Martuba on 20-22 March 1942.

On the afternoon of 21 March 1942, the position occupied by the column was subjected to intense and almost continuous attacks by numerous fighter aircraft. There were also four major raids by some 14 Stukas each, as well as shelling by enemy artillery. Throughout the whole period, lasting six hours, Sergeant Firbank showed outstanding leadership and initiative. Five out of eight of his gun-numbers were casualties, but he organised a skeleton detachment and inspired them by his courageous example to stand up to, and engage, every attack. When his gun barrel was burst by a premature round, he personally supervised its replacement and himself coolly carried out repairs to the gun, although Stukas were dive bombing his position at the time.

By his undaunted courage, his sound decisions and his unfailing resource, he kept his gun in action until darkness fell and the last raiders withdrew.’

David Firbank was serving in 171 Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, 57 Light A.A. Regiment, R.A., at the time of the above cited deeds.