Orders, Decorations and Medals

An exceptional and rare ‘D-Day’ M.M. group of five awarded to Private C. E. Blackmore, Royal Army Service Corps, attached to the American 2nd Ranger Battalion as a DUKW driver for the landings in the ‘Omaha’ Beach area

Military Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (T-76497 Pte. C. E. Blackmore, R.A.S.C.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, mounted as worn, small edge bruise to the first, otherwise good very fine and very rare (5) £1200-1500

M.M. London Gazette 21 December 1944.

The following details are taken from the official recommendation for the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal, downgraded to the Military Medal:

‘At POINTS DU HOE on 6th June 1944, Private Blackmore navigated and operated a new amphibious device. As this device was still in the development stage, it was a dangerous and arduous duty especially in the heavy seas which were running. Private Blackmore volunteered for the task well knowing the dangers.

After trying every way possible to complete the primary task, he scaled the cliffs on rope ladders and joined in the fight as a rifleman. When ammunition ran low he returned to the beach which was still under enemy machine gun fire from the flank and salvaged Vickers machine guns and ammunition from the DUKWs. He again scaled the cliffs and put the machine guns into action.

During the fighting Private Blackmore was wounded in the foot. After receiving First Aid, he evacuated one of the Rangers from the front line under heavy machine gun fire and mortar fire. He volunteered to carry ammunition to the front, repair machine guns and rifles and helped salvage ammunition from the beach until he was evacuated late on 7th June to the Battleship TEXAS.

The work of Private Blackmore contributed greatly to the success of the mission of the 2nd Ranger Battalion and reflected credit to himself and to his country.’

Pointe du Hoe was in the ‘Omaha’ Beach area, and the Rangers had the special mission of capturing the enemy position thereon. Three Companies of Rangers, the American equivalent of the British Commandos and many of them having received their training at the Commando Depot at Achnacarry, landed near Pointe du Hoe and scaled the cliffs with ropes and ladders. Under covering fire from the American Destroyer Satterlee and the British Destroyer Talybont they then stormed the battery positions and eliminated the remaining garrison. Thereafter they were virtually besieged all day but they maintained their lonely position with support from the Destroyers which stood by throughout the day. The Regimental History of the R.A.S.C. 1939-45 confirms that “Two DUKW drivers who were wounded while attached to an American Ranger battalion were awarded the Military Medal on the recommendation of the United States Army authorities.’