Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War 1944 ‘Crossing of the Meuse-Escaut Canal’ M.M. group of six awarded to Private H. Everett, Lincolnshire Regiment

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4799546 Pte. H. Everett. Linc. R.) number partially officially corrected; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (4799546 Pte. H. Everett. Linc. R.) number partially officially corrected; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine (6) £800-£1,200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Gallantry Awards to the Lincolnshire Regiment.

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Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, March 1997.

M.M. London Gazette 1 March 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.’

The original Recommendation states: ‘During the operation of crossing the Escaut Canal, on the night 18/19 September 1944, Private Everett was “A” Coy runner. When his Company had crossed the canal and reached their objective it was found that the Company No. 18 Set had been hit by a bullet and communication with Advanced Battalion HQ had been cut. Pte Everett was ordered, by his Company Commander, to re-cross the canal to Advanced Battalion 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. Private Everett achieved this journey and delivered the message correctly to his Commanding Officer. A spare signaller with a new No. 18 Set were then put under Private Everett’s command, 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 Private Everett communications between “A” Company and Battalion HQ were restored, and the Battalion Command was enabled to direct this Company on to a further objective, the neutralisation of which largely contributed to the success of the operation.’