Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Italy operations M.M. group of five awarded to Lance-Bombardier E. T. Mitchem, 91st Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, who was decorated for gallantry and awarded a “mention” in the period December 1943 to April 1944, including the Anzio operations

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (924659 L. Bmbr. E. T. Mitchem, R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf, good very fine (5) £800-1000

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

‘On 5 December 1943, Lance-Bombardier Mitchem, then a Gunner, was acting as O.P. Assistant of a party liaising with the 133rd Regiment, U.S. Army. The H.Q. areas in view of the enemy’s O.Ps was subjected to continual shell fire. After one concentration which broke the line, two men left to repair it. While out a further concentration came down and it appeared that both men as well as the line were lost. Lance-Bombardier Mitchem, awaiting no orders, immediately went out and under further shell fire mended five breaks in the line and located the two men.

At Tufo from 19-22 January 1944, when the O.P. on Point 201 was counter-attacked, Lance-Bombardier Mitchem displayed great courage. When the O.P. was finally overrun, he saved the wireless set and thus enabled his Troop Commander to establish a further O.P., which was again overrun. His officer being wounded and captured and the set destroyed, he conducted his party to safety through heavy shelling to our lines.

At Anzio, between 16-30 April 1944, he again displayed on all occasions cheerful courage under fire.’

Edward Thomas MItchem enlisted in the 91st Field Regiment, R.A. (Territorials) in April 1939 and first saw action with the B.E.F. out in France in 1940. The Regiment was subsequently embarked for India, and thence the Middle East, but it was for his gallant deeds in Italy that he was awarded his M.M. and mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 24 August 1944, refers). He was demobilised in February 1946.