Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second World War Italy operations M.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant H. Burke, 12th Royal Tank Regiment (R.A.C.), who displayed great gallantry in the crossing of the rivers Arzilla and Marano in August-September 1944 - individual recommendations were submitted for each action, but were ultimately considered jointly

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (7929361 Sjt. H. Burke, R. Tank R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, rank officially corrected on the first, good very fine and better (6) £1200-1400

M.M. London Gazette 8 March 1945.

The first recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘On the afternoon of 28 August 1944, a composite squadron of 12 Royal Tanks was formed to support an infantry attack across the River Arzilla onto Point 146. An infantry company was pinned down in a village on the river and the operation involved picking up this company and continuing the advance onto the high ground.

The infantry company command was at this time at his Battalion H.Q. and it was necessary for him to move down to his company to give orders prior to the attack. All movement in daylight from the infantry battalion H.Q. to the village attracted very heavy mortar and machine-gun fire and Sergeant Burke was ordered to take the company command down to his company in a tank.

This involved moving down a forward slope in the face of known anti-tank, machine-gun and mortar positions. Sergeant Burke never hesitated in his duty and having moved to the village under very heavy fire, stayed with the company command until he had re-organised his troops and prepared for the attack.

This N.C.O. throughout showed great coolness and disregard for his own personal safety, and his actions had great influence on the subsequent success of the attack.’

The second recommendation states:

During the crossing of the River Marano on 14 September 1944, Sergeant Burke was ordered to move forward with his tank and with the leading platoon of infantry exploit the bridgehead which had been made. As he moved forward his tank was immediately knocked out by enemy anti-tank fire.

The crew were able to evacuate the tank with the exception of one member who was killed and one who was badly wounded. Under very heavy small arms fire and mortar fire, and with the tank still being engaged by A.P. fire, Sergeant Burke managed to reach the wounded man and carried him into cover.

This N.C.O. showed great courage and undoubtedly saved the wounded man’s life, and his disregard for personal safety was an inspiration to all who witnessed the event.

This N.C.O. was recommended for an immediate M.M. on 8 September 1944. It is requested that these recommendations be considered jointly.’

Harold Burke was from Liverpool.