Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War 1944 Burma operations M.M. group of five awarded to Gunner E. S. Kitchen, 9th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (276351 Gnr. E. S. Kitchen. R.A.) edge stamped ‘Duplicate’; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, with named card box of issue for M.M., this also marked ‘Duplicate’, generally good very fine (5) £400-500

M.M. London Gazette 28 June 1945.
The Recommendation states: ‘For continuous gallant service. Throughout the operations in the Bishenpur area from May to June 1944 Gunner Kitchen showed outstanding devotion to duty and courage in his unflagging efforts to maintain his Observation Post lines, which were long, exposed to enemy fire, and constantly being cut.
In particular on the night 19/20 May when the enemy attacked “Water Picquet” position, the line was cut by enemy shell fire on five separate occasions. Each time Gunner Kitchen, with complete disregard for his own safety, went out and repaired the line, thus enabling much needed D.F. fire to be brought down. Again from 26 May to 4 June, as a member of a very much under strength Observation Post party at “Evans Knob”, it was entirely due to Gunner Kitchen’s bravery, unfailing energy, and devotion to duty, often working alone, that kept his vital Observation Post line through.

Gunner Kitchen’s work under shell fire, his cool courage and complete disregard for danger, his great zeal and devotion to duty in his determination to keep his Observation Post line though at all costs, was of the very highest order, and was an inspiration to all those working with him.’

Sold with original envelope for the medals, addressed to ‘Mr E. Kitchen, M.M., 37 Lessington Avenue, Romford, Essex’.