Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second War ‘Battle of Forli - Italy operations’ immediate D.C.M. group of six awarded to Sergeant H. C. Carpenter, 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, for his gallantry during hard fought house-to-house fighting on 11-12 November 1944

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (6465807 A. Sjt. H. C. Carpenter. R. Fus.) edge bruise; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 copy clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, generally very fine (6) £2,600-£3,000

D.C.M. London Gazette 26 April 1945.
The original recommendation states: ‘On the afternoon of 11th November, 1944, ‘Z’ Company were ordered to move from ‘X’ roads to capture some houses. On approaching some factory buildings the Company came under intense fire at close range from Machine guns and bazookas stationed in these buildings. The right hand Platoon was completely pinned down and the left hand one No. 16 Platoon, commanded by Sergeant Carpenter went to ground. Sergeant Carpenter quickly rallied his platoon, and leading them in a skilful left flanking movement succeeded in by-passing the factory and infiltrating his platoon to a FUP for an attack on his final objective taking 5 prisoners on the way. These houses were strongly held and the enemy opened small arms fire on No. 16 Platoon. In spite of this Sergeant Carpenter led his Platoon in an attack on the houses which he succeeded in capturing, killing three Germans and taking a further 8 prisoners.
The Platoon was now almost surrounded, with enemy at very close quarters but Sergeant Carpenter consolidated his objective and later made his way back alone to guide ‘X’ Company forward to reinforce his platoon. He then, under orders, withdrew his platoon into ‘Z’ Company reserve, and thereafter throughout the night organised and led carrying parties with food for the forward troops of both ‘X’ and ‘Z’ Companies, who were in very close contact with the enemy. His unbounded cheerfulness throughout was a wonderful inspiration to all ranks. His daring and initiative in getting his platoon through the enemy positions to capture his objective, and finally his personal courage and dash in the final assault and clearance of the houses turned the immediate stalemate into a very favourable position, forced the enemy to withdraw from the factory buildings before daylight, and proved to be the deciding factor in the success of the whole Battalion operation.’

Herbert Charles Carpenter served with “Z” Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers during the Second World War. He distinguished himself as part of the 8th Army in the fighting in and around Forli, Italy, in November 1944 - in particular during house-to-house fighting in the appalling winter conditions. After the War, Carpenter resided at 47 St. Raphaels Way, Neasden, London.

Sold with official typed copy of citation, and War Office enclosure for citation addressed to recipient and dated 1 March 1954.