Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War ‘Burma Campaign’ M.C. group of five attributed to Lieutenant L. O. Pearce, Royal Tank Regiment

Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated 1944, in Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals, all unnamed; together with a mounted group of five miniature dress medals and cloth ‘14th Army’ patch, very fine and better (11) £800-1000

M.C. London Gazette 27 July 1944.

Recommendation reads: ‘This officer was in command of a troop in operations against Ningthunkhong on April 25th 1944. Soon after the action started, his tank was penetrated by an anti-tank gun, the driver was seriously wounded, and the wireless set and intercommunication destroyed, thus rendering the tank unbattleworthy. Lieut. Pearce at once collected the only spare tank, which was already damaged, and whose turret was jammed, thus making it virtually defenceless at close quarters. He returned to his troop, which he commanded with great coolness and skill for 2 hours, while in close proximity to the enemy, who were concealed in a village. As a result of his efforts his troop knocked out two anti-tank guns, an unidentified vehicle, and two bunker positions, thus enabling the Infantry to reach the first part of their objective with negligible casualties, and at the same time, capture important documents.

Later, when a withdrawal was ordered, he waited until all the Infantry and their wounded had gone back, though he could only use his guns in one direction. This officer also displayed similar qualities of skill and coolness when leading his troop against a Japanese position at MS.18 on the Impha-Ukhrul Rd. On this occasion he had to make a difficult and practically unreconnoitred climb to reach the position where he successfully silenced all enemy fire.

Throughout the present operations, he has shown himself to be an outstanding leader.’

At the time of the action, Lieutenant Pearce was serving in the 254th Indian Tank Brigade, 14th Army.

With original (slightly damaged) 14th Army congratulatory letter addressed to Lieutenant Pearce, dated 17 August 1944 and signed by General Slim and a War Office letter, dated 4 September 1944, informing Pearce of the award of the M.C. With two photographs. Together with copied recommendation.