Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second World War North-West Europe operations M.M. group of six awarded to Troop Sergeant-Major C. Warner, 1st Fife & Forfar Yeomanry (R.A.C.), who was decorated for his gallantry in October-November 1944 - in the assault on Made in the Netherlands he led the attack in his flame throwing Crocodile tank which ‘was repeatedly hit by Bazooka fire and his gunner severely wounded’


Military Medal, G.VI.R. (548860 W.O. Cl. II C. Warner, Fife & Forfar Y.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (548860 W.O. Cl. 2 C. Warner, 13 18 H.), mounted as worn, generally good very fine (6) £1600-1800

M.M. London Gazette 21 June 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘This Warrant Officer has consistently proved himself to be an inspiring and courageous leader in action. He was first in action in this theatre on 20 October 1944, when ‘C’ Squadron, 1st Fife & Forfar Yeomanry were supporting ‘C’ Company, 2nd Battalion, the Essex Regiment in an attack on Stapelheide.

On that day, Troop Sergeant-Major Warner, while acting as L.O. in a Scout Car, captured single handed one German officer and ten other ranks. By his calmness and dominating attitude he overcame initial resistance and some 30 minutes later handed them over to his accompanying infantry.

Again, on 4 November 1944, when his squadron was supporting the Polish Armoured Division in their assault on Made, Troop Sergeant-Major Warner was commanding the Crocodile tank which led the assault into the outskirts of the town. Although his tank was repeatedly hit by Bazooka fire and his gunner severely wounded, he continued to fight the tank and press home the attack. When withdrawal was possible, he supervised the evacuation of his wounded gunner under heavy fire.

His courage and coolness in these and all other actions in which his squadron has been engaged, has been an inspiration to all ranks, and deserves the highest praise and recognition.’

Charles Warner’s Yeomanry unit was a component of 31st Army Tank Brigade, 79th Armoured Division, and, following use of Cromwell and Churchill tanks, took delivery of one of “Hobart’s Funnies”, namely flame-throwing Crocodile tanks - and he was commanding one of these in the above cited action at Made in the Netherlands on 4 November 1944.