Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An outstanding Second World War ‘D-Day’ M.M. group of five awarded to Private C. J. E. Oldridge, 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, a light machine gunner who was severely wounded by a grenade during an enemy counter-attack on ‘Gold’ Beach and died of his wounds two days later

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (14656022 Pte, C, J, E. Oldridge. Devon. R); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, extremely fine (5) £2000-2600

Provenance: Christie’s, November 1988.

M.M. London Gazette 28 September 1944:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Normandy.’

All of the awards in the list that follows this gazette heading (2 M.Cs., 2 D.C.Ms., and 7 M.Ms.) are to recipients who were killed in action or died of wounds.

The original recommendation, for an Immediate D.C.M., states:
‘At Ryes, during the advance of 2 Devon on 6 June 1944, Private Oldridge was manning a light machine gun in the right forward platoon of the leading company which had been held up by light machine gun and mortar fire. An enemy counter-attack developed on the right flank of the company, and Private Oldridge’s platoon was ordered to re-adjust its position to deal with this attack. Private Oldridge remained with his gun in the original position, and, although severely wounded in both legs and both arms by a grenade, successfully broke up the counter-attack, thus preventing the enemy from rushing the company’s position while re-organising. The gallantry and devotion to duty of this man undoubtedly restored the situation, and enabled his company soon to resume the offensive.’

Cyril John Edward Oldridge, who was born in Plymouth, Devon, landed in Normandy on Gold Beach with his unit, part of the 231st Infantry Brigade, on D-Day, 6 June 1944. He died of his wounds two days later and is buried in Bayeux War Cemetery. He was 19 years of age.