Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Eight: Fusilier E. Hirst, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, who was wounded in action at the Battle of Imjin, 23 April 1951

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (2059758 Fus. B. Hirst. R.N.F.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed as issued, generally good very fine (8) £300-£400

Provenance: Strong Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, May 2011 (Korea and U.N. Korea Medals only).

Bernard Hirst was born in Elland, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire on 28 December 1919, and enlisted in the Royal Engineers (Territorial Army) on 24 August 1938, before transferring to the Regulars at Halifax on 22 February 1939. He served with the Green Howards during the Second World War with the British Expeditionary Force from October 1939 to 17 April 1940; in India from March to September 1942; in Iraq from September 1942 to March 1943; in the Middle East (Syria and Egypt) from March to August 1943; in Italy from August 1943 to June 1944; in the Middle East from June 1944 to March 1945; and in North West Europe from March 1945 to March 1946. He transferred to Section ‘B’ Reserve in June 1946, but was recalled for service in August 1950 and was posted to the 1st Battalion Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. He served in Korea from 10 October 1950 to 26 October 1951, being wounded in action at the battle of Imjin on 23 April 1951, where he suffered a gunshot wound to the forehead. Placed on the Reserve List of the 29th Infantry Brigade on 16 May 1951, he was posted to Japan in June 1951 where he was employed as a Regimental Policeman. Transferred home, he was discharged to Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 23 November 1951.

Sold with copied service notes.