Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Second War immediate 1943 ‘Mareth Line’ M.M. and 1943 Second Award Bar group of seven awarded to Sergeant G. E. G. Brunt, 276th Field Company, Royal Engineers, who had been wounded in action serving in the Middle East, 13 December 1942, and was killed in action serving in North West Europe, 14 August 1944

Military Medal, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar (1868819 Sjt. G. E. G. Brunt. R.E.); General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (1868819. Spr. C. [sic] E. G. Brunt. R.E.) number partially officially corrected; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, generally good very fine (2) £3,000-£4,000

M.M. London Gazette 14 September 1943, the original recommendation states:

‘In the 153rd Bde attack on the outposts of the Mareth Line on the night 16/17 March 1943 Sergt. Brunt was in charge of the R.E. gapping party on the right gap. He led his platoon with courageous and inspiring leadership in the face of very heavy small arms and mortar fire. It was due to his cool efficiency and control and above all his unflinching example to his men, that the hazardous and unexpectedly difficult task of gapping the anti-tank and anti-personnel minefield for 800 yards, the very edge of the enemy positions was successfully accomplished and the infantry enabled to pass through.’

M.M. Second Award Bar London Gazette 14 October 1943, the original recommendation states:

‘On the night of 23/24 October 1943, L/Sgt Brunt displayed conspicuous gallantry and efficiency in rallying No. 1 Section 276th Field Co. R.E. when his Section Officer was killed and the Section Sergt. had become a casualty and completing gaps in second and third enemy minefields under heavy mortar fire.

The successful completion of these difficult tasks in the face of heavy fire was almost entirely due to the initiative, great personal gallantry and leadership shown by L/Sgt. Brunt.’

George Enoch Graham Brunt was a native of Skelmorlie, Ayrshire, Scotland. He served during the Second World War with the 276th Field Company, Royal Engineers, and was wounded in action whilst serving with them in the Middle East on 13 December 1942. Sergeant Brunt was killed in action, aged 29, serving in North West Europe on 14 August 1944. He is buried in the Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery, Calvados, France.