Orders, Decorations and Medals

A good Second World War Italy operations M.M. group of seven awarded to Lance-Sergeant E. J. Thorp, Royal Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (833916 L./Sjt. E. J. Thorp, R.A.); India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (833916 Gnr. E. J. Thorp, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, generally good very fine (7) £800-1000

M.M. London Gazette 19 April 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘Throughout the period in question, Sergeant Thorp has shown consistent gallant and distinguished service. He has frequently been required to establish line communications between the Observation Post (O.P.) and battery positions, often under heavy fire. He has invariably succeeded in laying the line quickly. The lines were constantly cut by shell fire, but on every occasion with complete disregard for his own safety, he personally went out to effect the repair. The following are but two of many instances:

At Anzio during May 1944, a forward O.P. was established at Loreizo village. The O.P. and the surrounding terrain were exposed to enemy fire and no vehicles were allowed within a mile in daylight. Sergeant Thorp kept his O.P. line constantly open by day and night for a period of three weeks. When it was cut, as it frequently was, he went out on foot in daylight to mend the breaks and owing to the danger did not allow any other signaller to accompany him.

At Rongitelli on 9 August 1944, he laid the O.P. line under fire and during the following 48 hours, when it was continually being cut by shell fire, he immediately effected the repair on every occasion. His imperturbability under fire, his energy and his gallantry have proved a magnificent example to his subordinates.’

Edward John Thorp, who was from Itchem Abbas, was serving in 4th Medium Regiment, R.A. at the time of the above cited deeds.