Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War ‘Italian Operations’ B.E.M. group of four awarded to Company Quartermaster Sergeant C. L. Woods, Royal Army Service Corps

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (T/64119 C.Q.M.S. Charles L. Woods, R.A.S.C.); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, these unnamed, slight edge bruising, good very fine and better (4) £160-200

B.E.M. London Gazette 13 December 1945.

Recommendation reads, ‘This N.C.O. during the period 1 Apr 45-2 May 45 was Company Quarter Master Sergeant and as such was responsible for the rationing of the unit, which with attachments reached a strength of 1000. This strength was divided and subdivided into small detachments scattered over the 5 Corps front. Owing to the rapid advance, Supply Points were on occasions a hundred miles in the rear, which entailed a two-day turn round to bring up the rations to Coy. location, after which CQMS Woods supervised the splitting up of the rations and himself delivering to the smallest detachments. During the period it was usual for him to leave the Coy location at 1700 hrs after a days work and not return until 0400 hrs the following morning. Great credit is due to CQMS Woods that no detachment was kept waiting nor had they to fall back on their reserve rations. This work was undertaken with enthusiasm and unfailing cheerfulness, and it appeared that this NCO searched his mind as to how much he could do more to help detachments in this difficult task. CQMS Woods went far beyond that which is required even of a good CQMS and was an example to all who came in contact with him.’

With copied gazette extract and recommendation.