Orders, Decorations and Medals

Four: Lance-Corporal E. P. O’Connor, 2nd (Armoured) battalion, Irish Guards
1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, all unnamed as issued but sold with named condolence slip and card box of issue, very fine (4)

Lance-Corporal E. P. O’Connor was killed in action on 11th September, 1944, during the German counter-attack on the important bridge over the Meuse-Escaut canal at De Groote Barrier. The Irish Guards had captured the bridge intact the previous day and repulsed subsequent German counter-attacks, thus securing the Second Army’s line of advance. The seizure and holding of this bridge at De Groot Barrier is described as a ‘spectacular triumph’ in the Regimental History. The 2nd battalion Irish Guards lost 3 officers and 54 other ranks killed in action or died of wounds during the advance through Belgium and Holland. Sold with further details.