Orders, Decorations and Medals

An unusual Second War B.E.M. group of six awarded to Staff Sergeant R. C. T. Kitchen, 100 Army Radar Battery, Royal Artillery

British Empire Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Military (2092558 S./Sgt., R.A.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals; Efficiency Medal, Territorial, G.VI.R. (2092552 S. Sjt., R.A.) together with Normandy Campaign commemorative medal, a modern French award, and two original photographs of recipient, generally good very fine or better (8) £180-220

B.E.M. London Gazette 24 January 1946. The recommendation states ‘Staff Sergeant Kitchen is T.I.F.C. in ‘A’ Troop, 100 Army Radar Battery, Royal Artillery. During the campaign his troop has been employed continuously in a counter mortar role in the forward areas. During heavy enemy activity this NCO has always made it his duty to visit detachments where the activity has been greatest, thereby encouraging the men in their dangerous work.

Staff Sergeant Kitchen conducted many trials in artificial screening with sets deployed operationally and great credit is due to him for the evolution of a new technique in locating mortars. Staff Sergeant Kitchen’s disregard for his own personal safety and his lust for hard work undoubtedly assisted in the success of the battery, and is worthy of the highest praise.’