Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Captain E. W. Mudge, Lincolnshire Regiment, who after being evacuated from Dunkirk was Commissioned from the ranks and was among the first to land at Sword Beach during the D-Day landings; he was later wounded at the Vire River crossings in August 1944

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (4801317. Pte. E. W. Mudge. Linc. R.) unit partially officially corrected; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, contact marks and minor edge bruising to first, very fine and better (5) £180-£220

Ernest William Mudge attested as a Private in the 2nd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment on 16 January 1935. After service in Palestine from July to December 1936, Mudge was promoted Lance Corporal in 1937 and at the outbreak of the Second World War, was serving as a Sergeant. Mobilised with his battalion in September 1939, the battalion formed part of the 3rd Division that arrived in France in October 1939. During the German attack in May 1940, the battalion made a stand at Zuyoshoote, before retreating on Dunkirk. Sergeant Mudge was one of the lucky soldiers to be evacuated, and on his return home he was selected for Officer training.

Commissioned Second Lieutenant on 5 February 1943, after training in Scotland, Mudge was serving in ‘C’ company, 2nd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, when on 5th June 1944 they embarked on landing craft at Southsea Pier, destined for Sword Beach. On D-Day, 6 June, the Lincolns landed at Lion-Sur-Mer, linking up with elements of the 6th Airborne Division at the bridge over the River Orme. Taking part in the battle for Caen and battle of the Falaise gap in July 1944, Lieutenant Mudge was wounded on 6 August 1944, at the Vire River crossings. In September, the battalion took part in the advance on Holland in September 1944, the Rhine crossings and the advance into Germany. Promoted Captain on 1 March 1945, Mudge was released from the Army on 13 January 1946.