Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War North West Europe operations M.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant E. Firth, Royal Signals

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2341317 Cpl. E. Firth, R. Signals); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (2341317 Sjt., R. Sigs.) nearly extremely fine (6) £600-800

M.M. London Gazette 21 June 1945. The recommendation states:

‘This N.C.O. commands a cable detachment of the Divisional Cable Section. During the past three months he has shown outstanding qualities of leadership and devotion to duty.

His small detachment of three men and himself have invariably been responsible for the laying and maintenance of at least two forward lines to Brigade or equivalent H.Qs.

During the month of November 1944, and the early part of December, these lines were continually cut by shell fire in the forward areas. In the early weeks of November, with H.Q. 185 Brigade at Meerselo and Divisional H.Q. at Oploo, Corporal Firth’s detachment was responsible for the two lines connecting these H.Qs. Shelling in the Overloon-Venraij area made it imperative that these lines were patrolled continuously under constant shell fire without relief, and due entirely to his cheerful leadership and determination in the face of all difficulties, maintained a vital communication link.’

Edward Firth, a Sheffield man, was serving in 3 British Infantry Division Signals at the time of the above related deeds.