Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The mounted group of four miniature dress medals worn by Corporal C. S. Balmforth, Queen’s Royal Hussars

Military Cross, E.II.R.; N.A.T.O. Medal 1994, 1 clasp, Kosovo; Iraq 2003-11, no clasp; U.N. Medal, for Cyprus, mounted court-style as worn, good very fine (4) £200-240

M.C. London Gazette 18 March 2005:
‘For gallant and distinguished services in Iraq during the period 1st April to 30th September 2004’.

Christopher Stephen Balmforth served with the Queen's Royal Hussars in Iraq, and was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry after his team was ambushed during his tour: ‘A rocket propelled grenade lodged in his armoured Land Rover but did not go off. The driver of the vehicle was then hit by small arms fire which left him incapacitated. Corporal Balmforth explained what happened next: "I was second in command of the team and I knew I had to do something. I got out of the vehicle and returned fire on the enemy position." Then, with enemy fire still coming at them, he led a small team to overrun the position, killing three of the five enemies and seriously wounding a fourth. In line with his military training, Balmforth gave first aid to the wounded while the other troops cleared the situation. An extract from the citation read: “He was instrumental in protecting his comrade's life and regaining the initiative in very dangerous circumstances against overwhelming odds. His bravery, self sacrifice and leadership was an inspiration to his Regiment and acted as a significant deterrent to other would be attackers.”’ (Doncaster Free Press refers).

Balmforth was the first N.C.O. in the Queen’s Royal Hussars to receive the Military Cross.

Sold together with a copy of the book In Foreign Fields, by Dan Collins, with a chapter about the recipient, the inside inscribed: ‘Anna, Hope you enjoy the book. There are some parts that are not permitted to be published so there are some slight untrues I will tell you about them one day. Take care and thank you for looking after my miniature medals. I’m sure they now have a good home. Lots of love, Christopher Balmforth M.C.’

Also with a photograph of the recipient outside Buckingham Palace having received his M.C., the reverse signed by the recipient; and copies of various congratulatory letters received by the recipient on the occasion of the award of his M.C.