Orders, Decorations and Medals

A North West Europe M.M. group of six awarded to Private H. Everett, Lincolnshire Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4799546 Pte., Linc. R.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (4799546 Pte., Linc. R.) official correction to number; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal, good very fine (6)

M.M. London Gazette 1 March 1945.

‘During the operation of crossing the Escaut Canal, on the night 18/19 Sep 44, Pte Everett was “A” Coy runner. When his Coy had crossed the canal and reached their objective it was found that the Coy 18 Set had been hit by a bullet and communication with Advanced Bn HQ had been cut. Pte Everett was ordered, by his Coy Cmd, to re-cross the canal to Advanced Bn HQ who, at that time, were on the other bank, with a most important message, stating that the objective had been taken, and asking for a spare wireless set to be sent up. This journey meant remembering a very difficult route along the bank of the canal, which at this time was under very heavy fire from enemy machine guns from either bank, crossing the canal in an assault boat which he had to manhandle himself, and returning through the village of Lille-St-Hubert, which at that time was being heavily mortared. Pte Everett achieved this journey and delivered the message correctly to his Comd Offr. A spare signaller with a new No 18 set were then put under Pte Everett comd, and he successfully completed the return journey under similar conditions to the first one. Thanks to this very brave and resourceful action on the part of Pte Everett communications between “A” Coy and Bn HQ were restored, and the Bn Comd was enabled to direct this Coy on to a further objective, the neutralisation of which largely contributed to the success of the operation.’