Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second World War Normandy operations M.M. group of six awarded to Private G. T. Munroe, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (L. 2992 Pte. G. T. Munro, C. Inf. C.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal, silver; Canadian Voluntary Service Medal, with Overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, silver one or two edge bruises, generally good very fine (6) £800-1000

M.M. London Gazette 21 December 1944. The immediate recommendation, approved by Montgomery, states:

‘During the attack on St. Andre, Private Munroe was with a leading Platoon of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. His Platoon was held up, in a very exposed position and where unable to get forward without covering fire. Quickly realizing the urgency of the situation, Private Munroe placed himself under a heavy enemy fire and coolly commenced to give covering fire so that his Platoon could go forward. Although badly wounded, he refused to be evacuated and went forward with his Platoon to the objective giving covering fire during the whole consolidation. The cool, courageous action of Private Munroe enabled his Platoon to reach their objective. Date of action: 19 July 1944.’

The 19 July 1944 proved to be a costly day for the Canadians, a series of assaults against well defended French towns and villages resulting in total casualtiers of 1500 men, Private Munroe among them. The opposition included the Panzer Group West, which mounted ferocious counter-attacks with 1 and 9 S.S. Panzer Divisions.