Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Second World War Italian theatre M.M. group of eight awarded to Sergeant A. J. Gauthier, 48th Highlanders of Canada, who was later mentioned in despatches for services in Korea with the Royal 22e Régiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (B.73900 L.Sjt. A. J. Gauthier, C. Inf. C.) minor official correction to rank; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence Medal; Canadian War Service Medal, with clasp; War Medal, these last three all silver issues; Korea 1950-53, Canadian issue (SB.73900 A. J. Gauthier); U.N. Korea, named as before, together with cap badges for the 48th Highlanders and the 22e Régiment, good very fine (8) £2000-2500

M.M. London Gazette 8 March 1945: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 2 August 1952: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Korea.’

The following details are taken from the regimental history Dileas:

‘As the hour neared, Col. Mackenzie and Major Joss moved into a new Tac, which proved an excellent forward O.P. to watch and direct the two-company action. It was about 400 yards beyond the old Tac, where the Colonel had relieved Major Banton. As the Highlanders showed in the open it was at once apparent that Kestrel was again their ridge of torment. The 17th of September [1944] would be as difficult and nearly as costly as the day before.

Fifteen long, anxious minutes after their jump-off hour, Capt. Pat Bates began to report to Tac on Charlie Company’s fortunes. Their objective was now a track-junction 900 yards northwest of Rimini airport, and able to dominate it. It was sited on flat, open ground. Charlie Company had worked their way through the rear R.C.R. positions, and then had met such a storm of machine-gun and mortar fire just beyond their start-line they were temporarily pinned to the earth.

“They murdered us from Kestrel - and they’re still at it,” reported Capt. Bates. This check was largely overcome by the courageous action of the leading platoon - No. 13 - led by a gallant and aggressive serjeant, Andrew Joseph Gauthier. After vainly seeking to get his men away from the fire, he chanced the open. Taking the lead, Sjt. Gauthier advanced rapidly over 600 yards to a good position from which a final attack could be made on their objective.

Sjt. Joe Gauthier did not know two serious things had occurred as he led 13 Platoon to their new position. Capt. Bates had been seriously wounded by machine-gun fire, and the rest of Charlie Company was still unable to move. He was far ahead of them with his platoon, and alone.

The command of the Company now fell on Lt. Freddie Williams, an officer who had not a great deal of battle experience, but quickly proved himself. Like a veteran, he rallied the two remaining platoons and led them resolutely across the open to overtake Sjt. Gauthier.

The Serjeant was such a defiant fighter he did not wait for them, though he saw them coming. He organized a final assault with his single platoon. They bravely followed him as he charged the dug-in Germans at the crossroads. Gauthier was spectacular. He personally killed one paratrooper, and either killed or wounded five others as he led his men recklessly into them and cleaned out the position.

Sjt. Gauthier was awarded the Military Medal. There is little doubt his gallant leadership, and its inspiration, were the big factors in Charlie’s success this tempestuous autumn day.’

Sergeant Gauthier is believed to be the only man to have been in the line in every action by the 48th Highlanders in both Sicily and Italy. He was discharged at Toronto in June 1945, but re-enlisted in August 1950 into the Canadian Army (Special Force) and saw service in Korea with the 22e Régiment from April to December 1951. He subsequently served with the 2nd Royal Canadian Rifles, with whom he qualified for the Canadian Parachute Badge in November 1952, and the 1st Royal Canadian Rifles, with whom he again served in Korea from February 1953 to January 1954. After a period on secondment with the 1st Canadian Guards, August to November 1954, he returned to 2 R.C.R. and was finally discharged in November 1955.

Sold with full service record and other research.