Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War B.E.M. group of five awarded to Private H. W. Grainger, Hampshire Regiment, who was killed in action in Italy on 14 May 1944 and was posthumously Mentioned in Despatches

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (5512787 Pte. Harold W. Grainger.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted court-style for wear, nearly extremely fine (5) £300-£400

B.E.M. London Gazette 15 September 1944:
‘In recognition of gallant conduct in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner.’

The original Recommendation states: ‘In October 1943, a solder who was travelling in a landing craft from Phillipeville to Taranto fell overboard. Private Grainger, who was travelling in another craft nearby noticed the incident and, without hesitation or thought for personal safety, dived into the sea fully clothed and was successful in rescuing the man who had fallen overboard. Private Grainger was in the water for about twenty minutes and when he and the man he had rescued were picked up by a boat it was found that he was vomiting and suffering from shock. Private Grainger’s conduct was most praiseworthy.’

Harold William Grainger attested for the Hampshire Regiment at Portsmouth, and served with the 2nd/4th Battalion during the Second World War in both north Africa and Italy. Awarded the British Empire Medal, he was killed in action in Italy on 14 May 1944, and was posthumously Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 25 January 1945). He is buried in Cassino War Cemetery, Italy.