Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second War 1944 ‘Italy operations - breaching of the Hitler Line’ M.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant D. G. Davie, 4th Canadian Reconnaissance Regiment (4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards), Canadian Armoured Corps, for his gallantry at Pontecorvo, 23-24 May 1944

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (K.37015 A. Sjt. D, G. Davie, C.A.C.); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence Medal, Canadian issue in silver; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with Canadian Maple Leaf on riband; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver, mounted for wear, generally very fine or better (6) £1,200-£1,600

M.M. London Gazette 16 November 1944. The original recommendation states:

‘On 23 May 1944, 1 Canadian Division attacked and broke through the Adolf Hitler Line, 4 Canadian Reconnaissance Regiment (4 Princess Louise Dragoon Guards) pushed on beyond Pontecorvo to keep contact with the enemy.

On the morning of 24 May 1944, a troop commanded by Corporal (A/Lance Sergeant) Douglas Gordon Davie was feeling out enemy positions north of the town when it was held up by a strong enemy rearguard position. In order to draw fire and pinpoint the German position this non-commissioned officer drove his carrier forward. From a completely exposed position he engaged the enemy with his heavy machine gun. In spite of their answering fire and with complete disregard for his own safety he continued to man his gun and inflicted casualties on the Germans.

When he had expended his ammunition he dismounted and ran back to the rear carrier where he picked up his complement of machine gun belts. Returning to his gun he continued to fire it throughout the engagement and caused many more casualties.

It was decided to let the artillery engage the strong point. When it therefore became necessary to withdraw, one man was required to go forward and to drive back from its exposed position an engineer’s vehicle containing valuable equipment. Undaunted by the heavy mortar fire, Corporal (A/Lance Sergeant) Davie volunteered for this task and carried it out successfully.

Throughout the operation this non-commissioned officer displayed a high degree of courage and devotion. By his action he was able to inflict heavy casualties on the strong enemy rearguard and to pinpoint their positions.’

Douglas Gordon Davie served during the Second War with the 4th Canadian Reconnaissance Regiment (4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards) as part of the Canadian Armoured Corps.