Orders, Decorations and Medals

An exceptional Second War ‘North West Europe’ M.M. awarded to Private G. A. Osborne, 2nd Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, who amongst other acts of gallantry personally accounted for two enemy each armed with a bazooka

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4807963 Pte., A. & S. H.); together with a contemporary copy of a photograph of recipient receiving his M.M. from Field Marshal Montgomery, extremely fine £1800-2200

M.M. London Gazette 2 August 1945.

The recommendation states ‘During the advance to Bornsen on 2 May 1945 D Company was right forward company. Private Osborne was a member of the leading platoon which was sent to clear some buildings in the area. During this action his section became pinned by enemy fire from dug in positions commanding the approaches to the buildings. Without orders Private Osborne immediately crawled forward alone and wiped out the forward enemy post with grenades which enabled the rest of his section to advance. As they did so a second enemy post surrendered. He then went to the Company Commander across bullet swept country to give him information about some enemy which had been seen in a nearby farm. The farm was eventually taken without loss and ten prisoners were captured. Later in the area of 726440 Sheet 2427, when his section was moving on the right of the Company Private Osborne saw two enemy, each armed with a bazooka, trying to infiltrate through some thick scrub towards the centre of the company. He went after them and killed them both. By his prompt action he not only inflicted casualties on the enemy but undoubtedly saved the lives of some of his company.

During the whole advance which was through very difficult country, Private Osborne was always in front and in the thick of the fighting. He remained undeterred by the 20mm flack, small arms and bazooka fire and, throughout, his conduct was an inspiration to all around him.’