Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria to coincide with the OMRS Convention

A Second World War M.C. group of six to Temporary Captain E. L. Mills, Royal West Kent Regiment, attached 1st Herefordshire Regiment

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated 1945 and additionally engraved, ‘Capt. E. L. Mills, Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment’; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, good very fine and better (6) £600-700

M.C. London Gazette 1.3.1945. Recommendation states: ‘On the night 21/22 September 1944, 1 Hereford made an assault crossing of the Wilhems Canal at Zomeren in order that a Class 40 bridge could be constructed by the Engineers before first light.

The assault crossing by the three Rifle Companies was successfully completed. The enemy swiftly counter-attacked the small perimeter with the support of heavy mortar and artillery fire. At the same time parties of enemy who had hidden in fox-holes within the perimeter during the initial advance in the darkness came to life. Capt. Mills was Second-in-Command of “C” Company whose H.Q. was adjacent to the main raod running from the enemy position to the bridge.

His Company Commander, on instructions from the Commanding Officer had left the Company H.Q. to re-organise the platoons which had been over-run. Captain Mills appreciating the critical situation gathered his small party of Company H.Q. and placed them in a defensive position along the road. About 30 enemy infantry with three or four M.Gs. immediately attacked; Captain Mills’ small party repulsed this force when within 10 yards range, and the enemy withdrew to a small bank approximately 30 yards away where they kept up a continuous fire on the H.Q. locality. Despite this very heavy small arms fire at point blank range, Capt. Mills with complete disregard for his own safety went from man to man encouraging them and personally distributing ammunition. Five of this small party, including the C.S.M. became casualties.

After three quarters of an hour, the only Bren L.M.G. in Captain Mills’ party jammed, and the enemy started to advance. Captain Mills quickly re-organised the remnants of his small party and attacked. He himself went forward throwing grenades. This bold action upset the enemy advance and they withdrew to the bank leaving behind several dead and wounded.
Later on two Germans attempted to stalk his post; Captain Mills personally located and destroyed these enemy with grenades. This officer’s example of personal bravery and leadership was undoubtably responsible for maintaining his Coy. H.Q. intact and denying the vital ground dominating the bridge head, to the enemy.’

Sold with original War Office forwarding letter for the M.C., dated 1946