Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Normandy operations M.M. group of five awarded to Lance-Sergeant A. J. Phillips, 79th Assault Squadron, R.E., attached 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2118057 L. Sjt. A. J. Phillips, R.E.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals nearly extremely fine (5) £700-900

M.M. London Gazette 21 December 1944. The immediate recommendation states:

‘An armoured column moving 5000 yards across country S.E. of Caen on the night of 7-8 August 1944, and through the enemy gun lines, was accompanied by Assault R.E. Travelling with the leading elements, they were responsible for marking the gap. Although automatic means were used, they were not considered satisfactory by Corporal Phillips’ Troop Commander who ordered reliefs from the tank to dismount and improve them. Corporal Phillips controlled these dismounted reliefs throughout. To do this, he had to keep on foot with the leading armour. At the start line, an armoured sledge of his Troop was destroyed by shell fire. During the three miles and four hours journey through the enemy position, the column was subjected to periodical fire of all kinds. Despite the fire and the fact that the rest of the column was armoured, Corporal Phillips led the different dismounted parties from start to finish. His powers of leadership, courage, physical endurance and initiative were outstanding and contributed largely to the success of his Troop and the passage of the column.’

Aubrey Joseph Phillips, who was originally recommended for a D.C.M. for the above related deeds in the bloody battle for Caen, had most probably landed on Sword Beach on D-Day, as part of a squadron in the 1st Assault Brigade, R.E., a component of British I Corps.