Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Gothic Line’ Immediate M.M. awarded to Corporal C. A. W. Lowen, B.E.M., Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, for gallantly clearing a path through a heavily sown minefield which enabled the rescue of several stranded comrades, some of whom were wounded, during the course of which he himself was wounded in the hand and arm by an exploding mine

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (H.16558 Cpl. C. A. W. Lowen. C. Inf. C.) good very fine £1,200-£1,500

B.E.M. (Military) London Gazette 1 January 1943.

M.M. London Gazette 8 March 1945.

The original recommendation states:

‘H16558 Corporal Charles Albert Willoby Lowen, P.P.C.L.I.

Reference Map ITALY, TOMBA di PESARO

On the morning of 31 August 1944, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry attacked a section of the GOTHIC Line. The objective of C Company was road junction MR 016755. Number 13 Platoon was leading and H.16558 Corporal Charles Albert Willoby LOWEN was in command of a section of this platoon.

A heavily sown minefield about six hundred yards in depth lay between the company and its objective. The ground was flat and completely bare except for a large patch of scrub two hundred yards from the right flank. At least three snipers were in this scrub and were sniping the company. The line of advance was covered by enemy artillery fire.

Number 13 Platoon reached their objective, but three casualties from mines remained about one hundred yards in the rear. Corporal LOWEN asked for and received permission to go back to the casualties and to clear a lane for stretcher bearers, and the remainder of the company who had provided covering fire for 13 Platoon.

Throughout the time he was finding a route back, Corporal LOWEN was sniped at and was under other enemy fire. He was wounded in the left hand and arm by an exploding mine. Notwithstanding these difficulties, Corporal LOWEN continued to clear a lane and finally reached the wounded men and the balance of the company.

The coolness and skill of Corporal LOWEN, coupled with his complete disregard of his personal safety, enabled the remainder of the company to reach the objective without casualties and enabled the wounded men to be recovered. His conduct and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all who took part in the operation.’

Sold with heavily redacted copies of his record of service and discharge certificate which confirms award of B.E.M., M.M., 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, and Canadian War Service Medal and Clasp.