Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Italy operations’ M.B.E. group of nine awarded to Major A. J. Hill, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, who commanded the 8th Army Recovery Company during the advance through Italy and was Mentioned in Despatches, receiving a further ‘Mention’ for his services in Malaya

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R., with M.I.D. oak leaf (Major L. A. J. Hill. M.B.E. R.E.M.E.); Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army (Lieut. L. A. J. Hill. R.E.M.E.) good very fine and better (9) £400-£500

M.B.E. London Gazette 20 September 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

The original Recommendation states: ‘Major Hill has commanded the Army Recovery Company since November 1944. During this period, and especially in the early months of 1945, exceptionally severe recovery conditions were encountered, but all difficulties were successfully overcome due to the outstanding leadership and ability of this officer.
Eighth Army maintenance routes during the winter of 1944/5 included long stretches of precipitous winding roads through the Appennine Mountains. When these were subjected to ice and snow conditions, the problem of ensuring prompt recovery to avoid road blocks became a very difficult one. Owing to distances and interruption of communications, Major Hill was frequently left to act on his own initiative, and his readiness to turn out under appalling weather conditions in order personally to supervise the most awkward jobs, had an inspiring effect on the morale of recovery crews. The maintenance of constantly clear traffic routes under these circumstances constituted a remarkable achievement.
A further example of Major Hill’s exceptional service during this period is the quick improvisation of a special workshop formed out of recovery sections for the purpose of repairing vehicles handed in by formations leaving the Eighth Army. By this means over 120 ‘B’ vehicles were made fit for re-issue in the Army area, which would otherwise had to be evacuated to the base with all the transportation difficulties thus involved.
This officer’s outstanding initiative and ability have achieved remarkable results, and his powers of leadership have inspired all those working under his command to give cheerfully of their best under very trying conditions.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 13 January 1944:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 27 April 1951:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya.’

Leslie Arthur John Hill was born on 20 June 1910 and served in the ranks for over fourteen years, and as Warrant Officer for over four years, before being commissioned Second Lieutenant on 20 December 1942. He was advanced Acting Captain on 3 December 1943, and Acting Major on 21 November 1944, being confirmed in the rank of Major on 19 February 1954. He was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1948 and retired on 11 October 1960.