Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: attributed to Major D. N. Pearse, M.C., Lancashire Fusiliers and Reconnaissance Regiment

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf, these unnamed; with ‘Reconnaissance Corps’ cap badge, good very fine (6) £150-200

M.C. London Gazette 28 June 1945. ‘For gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

Recommendation reads: ‘This officer has commanded a Scout Sqn. for 3 years and has shewn himself to be an exceptional leader on all occasions. He showed outstanding ability and courage during the Cassino Station battle. Again, during the subsequent advance to the Arno he showed great boldness and leadership, and by his personal courage and example inspired his men to fulfil a difficult, dangerous and vital task.

As Squadron Leader, this officer has shown himself to be a bold, aggressive and able leader of great tactical ability. During the period under review, Maj Pearse has filled the appointment of Second-in-Command of the (4th Recce) Regiment and has carried out his duties in a quite exceptional manner. He was responsible for the move of the Regiment from Taranto to Piraeus in the absence of the Commanding Officer. This move was carried out in a most efficient manner enabling the two Sqns. involved to operate on arrival with the minimum delay.

As Second-in-Command of the Regiment he has shown himself to be in possession of administrative ability of a high order and has fulfilled his duties exceptionally well.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 20 December 1940. ‘2/Lt. (A/Capt.) D. N. Fraser’ ‘... in recognition of distinguished services in connection with operations in the field, March-June, 1940’.

M.I.D. London Gazette 27 January 1944. ‘Capt. (temp Maj.), Lan. Fus.’ ‘... in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa’.

Denham Napier Pearce was born on 14 December 1917. Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers on 27 January 1938. Appointed War Substantive Lieutenant in December 1939; acting Captain, September-November 1939; Temporary Captain, December 1939. Mentioned in despatches in 1940, probably for ‘Dunkirk’. Appointed Acting Major in January 1941; Temporary Major in March 1943 and Major in December 1945. Mentioned in despatches again, for service in North Africa. Awarded the Military Cross for his leadership as an officer in the 4th Recce Regiment in Italy. Died in Perth, Western Australia 17 October 1989.

With a silver cigarette case, 150 x 85mm., hallmarks for Birmingham 1941, outside lid engraved, ‘DNP’; inside engraved, ‘Major D. N. Pearse from “B” Squadron 4th Reconnaissance Regt. R.A.C. 1941-1944’; silver medallion, 39mm., reverse inscribed, ‘1936 Throwing the Discus won by D. N. Pearse, hallmarks for Birmingham 1935, in case of issue; silver medal, reverse inscribed, ‘C.G.A.A. 1937-8 2/Lieut. D. N. Pearse’, hallmarks for Birmingham 1937; recipient’s (cancelled) Passport; Lancashire Fusiliers Christmas Card (2); photographs of the recipient in later life (3) and C.D. bearing a group photograph that includes Major Pearse, dated 1947.