Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second World War Italy operations M.M. group of seven awarded to Guardsman T. Murphy, Grenadier Guards, late Merchant Navy, who accounted for six of the enemy at Trimonsuoli in January 1944, prior to being overcome by loss of blood from an arm wound

Military Medal G.VI.R. (2623066 Gdmn. T. Murphy, G. Gds.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, edge bruise on the first, generally good very fine (7) £1100-1300

M.M. London Gazette 27 June 1944. The original recommendation states:

‘On 30 January 1944, at Trimonsuoli, Guardsman Murphy was in one of the forward platoons of No. 2 Company.

This platoon had been under very heavy fire for four or five days, shelling and mortaring being particularly severe, and casualties had been suffered.

It was decided to move the Platoon position two hundred yards to the east and a volunteer was called for to remain in the position to continue sniping the enemy. Guardsman Murphy volunteered to carry out this role without hesitation and remained to give covering fire while the Platoon moved under cover of darkness.

During the night the position was severely shelled and mortared, but Murphy stuck to his post with great determination.

At daybreak a relief was suggested for Murphy but he stated that he did not wish to be relieved. He continued to snipe the enemy during the morning and by 1000 hours had killed or wounded at least six of the enemy.

At about 1030 hours he was wounded in the arm by a fragment of mortar bomb. First aid was given to him but he refused to leave his position and continued to shoot at the enemy until 1200 hours, when he was overcome by loss of blood and evacuated to the R.A.P.

Throughout the action Guardsman Murphy showed complete disregard for his own safety and his courage and cheerfulness under very difficult conditions were an inspiration to all ranks.’

Thomas Murphy, a native of Liverpool who was born in 1922, enlisted in the Grenadier Guards direct from the Merchant Navy in April 1942. He was serving in the 6th Battalion at the time of the above cited deeds in Italy in January 1944.