Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Italy campaign’ M.M. group of five awarded to Mortar Platoon Sergeant A. E. Moreton, Middlesex Regiment and Princess Louise’s Kensington Regiment, who was also Mentioned in Despatches

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6200187 Sjt. A. E. Morton [sic]. Midd’x. R.) in named white card box of issue and outer transmission box, the white box named ‘6200187 Sjt. A. E. Moreton, Midd’x. R.’; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted court-style as worn, extremely fine (5) £1,200-£1,600

M.M. London Gazette 13 December 1945: No. 6200187 Sergeant Albert Edward Moreton, 13th London Regiment (Princess Louise’s Kensington Regiment):
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

The original Recommendation, for a periodic M.M., states: ‘Sergeant Moreton is Platoon Sergeant of a 4.2” Mortar Platoon, and has shown consistent courage and steadfastness throughout the Italian campaign. As an instance, on the night of 16-17 April 1945 on the way up to position to support the attack on Argenta, two of the Platoon’s vehicles containing a section of mortars were held up by very heavy shell and mortar fire 500 yards short of the position. Sergeant Moreton received an alternative route on foot for the drivers and crews ands despatched them to the mortar position, and them himself drove the first vehicle through the fire onto the position and then retuned on foot and drove the second vehicle. All mortars were this in action on time.
Throughout the night, the position was engaged by enemy guns and mortars, but Sergeant Moreton retained complete control of the situation and excellent supporting fire was given.
This N.C.O. has always been in the thick of the fighting, encouraging his men, supervising the fire, and showing a consistent of courage, leadership, and devotion to duty which is beyond praise.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 29 November 1945: 6200187 Sgt. A. E. Moreton, Midd’x R.
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

Albert Edward Moreton was born at Rotherhithe, London, on 29 November 1915 and was serving as a Mortar Platoon Sergeant with the 1st Battalion, Princess Louise’s Kensington Regiment when he was awarded the Military Medal. He died in London on 22 October 1973.

Sold with the recipient’s original Mentioned in Despatches Certificate, named ‘Sergeant A. E. Moreton, The Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge’s Own.)’, and dated 29 November 1945’, with Record Office enclosure; Buckingham Palace enclosure for the M.M., named ‘6200187 Sjt. A. E. Moreton, M.M., The Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge’s Own).’; Army Council enclosure for the Campaign awards; a sepia portrait photograph of the recipient; the recipient’s miniature width riband bar; and copied research.