Orders, Decorations and Medals

A good Second War ‘Immediate’ D.C.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant Horace Moore, 10th Royal Hussars, for an action during the advance on Faenza in Italy

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (406289 Sjt. H. Moore, 10.H.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (6) £2500-3000

D.C.M. London Gazette 10 May 1945 ‘On the morning of 23rd November 1944 near S.Lucia, Sgt. Moore was commanding a tank supporting the infantry Bn. which had crossed the river Cosina during the night. The infantry had captured intact the only remaining bridge over the river, and were holding a very small bridgehead beyond it. It was vital for the success of the operations of the whole Div. that this bridge be held. The enemy realised this and made every effort to recapture or destroy the bridge.

Sgt Moore got his tank across the bridge just before first light. He pushed forward in the most determined way in the half-light, and in conditions which confined his movement to the roads, which he knew would be covered by anti-tank fire. By his determination and disregard for danger he advanced several hundred yards and thus enabled the infantry to enlarge the all important bridgehead.

Enemy defensive fire by guns, mortars and nebelwefers was very heavy, and eventually forced the infantry to withdraw a short distance. Undaunted by this, and the fact that his vision and field of fire were very greatly impeded by houses and the close nature of the country, Sgt Moore held his ground. Although he knew that enemy snipers and bazooka men might well be stalking him he dismounted from his tank and went into the upstairs window of a house to get observation. From there he spotted an enemy Tiger tank manoeuvring into position 400 yards from him. Whilst he was endeavouring to engage this another enemy tank appeared, approaching at a fast speed down the road. With the greatest coolness and speed he engaged this and knocked it out, thereby effectively blocking the road to other enemy tanks. As a result the enemy soon abandoned his counter-attack with tanks, and the remaining tanks withdrew. Twenty-one enemy infantry then surrendered to Sgt Moore, some of them from positions in his rear.

This NCO showed the most outstanding skill and initiative in very awkward conditions, and by remaining in his most advanced position alone he stemmed the enemy counter-attack in this vital sector. His coolness and example were a magnificent encouragement to the infantry he was supporting and probably was decisive in enabling the bridgehead to be held.’