An excessively rare Second World War Italy operations M.M. awarded to Corporal M. Ali, Cyprus Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (CY. 15683 Cpl. Mehmet Ali, Cyprus R.), loose suspension claw, contact marks and edge bruising, nearly very fine £1200-1500

Just eight awards of the M.M. were made to the Cyprus Regiment in the 1939-45 War.

M.M. London Gazette 28 June 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘Corporal Ali has shown marked efficiency and devotion to duty over a long period.

During the opening phase of the battle for Monte Cassino, this N.C.O. stayed on the slopes of Monte Cairo with a detachment in immediate support of leading elements of the 6th L.W.O.W. Brigade and for the period of three days led a detachment under continuous and intense enemy fire.

Again, in July, while working with the 20th Indian Infantry Brigade north of Arezzo, this N.C.O. was in charge of a detachment working with a forward infantry company. This company was cut off for 24 hours before being relieved, and the Company Commander commended this N.C.O. to his unit commander for his exceptional coolness and courage during this period, and for the manner in which he led his men.

Since then, during operations against Forli and Faenza, this N.C.O. has repeatedly displayed similar courage and efficiency. He has never failed to carry out any task which he has been called upon to perform whatever the conditions of danger and fatigue have been, and in addition, the high example he has set to his fellow soldiers and his loyalty to his officers has been of the very greatest assistance to the efficiency of his unit. Altogether the exemplary behaviour of this N.C.O. over a long period has been outstanding.’

Mehmet Ali was serving in No. 620 (Pack Transport) Company, Cyprus Regiment at the time of the above related deeds, one of five such regimental companies employed at the opening stages of the Monte Cassino operations in May 1944, and later on the Gothic Line - Mount Cairo was an important feature situated about three miles north of the famous monastery, on the west side of the River Rapido.