Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second World War ‘North West Europe’ M.M. group of seven awarded to Major (Quarter Master), late Regimental Sergeant Major, E. Lines, Royal Artillery, whose extraordinary record of service during the Second World War included: being deployed in defence of Pegasus Bridge shortly after it’s capture in June 1944; as part of XXX Corps at Nijmegen in September 1944; and taking part in the Crossing of The Rhine, 23 March 1945. He was engaged in a more humanitarian role after the discovery of the Concentration Camp at Belsen in April 1945, where he ‘took a leading part in organisation of the female camp of some 10,000 women’ and where he was noted for ‘his sympathetic handling of the thousands of forlorn creatures rescued from the Concentration Camp’

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4690934. Sjt. E. Lines. R.A.) suspension claw re-pinned, with official corrections; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (Capt. (QM) E. Lines MM. RA.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (4690954 W.O. Cl. 2. E. Lines. M.M. R.A.) mounted as worn, generally very fine (lot) (7) £2,000-£3,000

M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1946. The original recommendation (for a B.E.M.) states:

‘This NCO has displayed the greatest gallantry through the whole of the NWE campaign. Because of his well-known aggressive spirit he has been allotted in each deployment the most dangerous position for his gun, and on each occasion he has more than justified the confidence placed in him.

Immediately on landing in June 44 his gun was deployed in defence of Pegasus br. over the river Orne at Benouville. The position was directly exposed to enemy short range artillery fire, so that movement outside the gun-pit was impossible by day; and all food & amn. had to be brought up by night. Nevertheless his gun engaged enemy a/c coming within range with steady and accurate fire regardless of the covering fire given by the enemy arty.

At Nijmegen in September 44 his gun was in a similar position on the North bank of the Waal river beside the East fort, when the Regt. deployed in defence of the town a few days after its capture, and at the Rhine crossing his gun was the first to cross Twist br. on D-day.

At Belsen in April 45 Sjt. Lines took a leading part in organisation of the female camp of some 10,000 women. He was i/c reception, and his sympathetic handling of the thousands of forlorn creatures rescued from the Concentration Camp evoked a personal letter from the Mil. Gov. Comd. recommending his outstanding work for recognition. Whatever job was allotted to him, Sgt. Lines has always maintained the highest personal standards - his steadiness under fire, his cheerfulness, his physical fitness, and his aggressive spirit have been a magnificent example to everyone in his Bty.’

Eric Lines was a native of Yorkshire, and was born in October 1921. He enlisted in the 4th Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (T.A.) in March 1938, and was embodied and posted to the 2/4th Battalion in September 1939. Lines transferred to the Royal Artillery, and was posted to the 55th Search Light Regiment in February 1940. He advanced from Lance Bombardier to Lance Sergeant between September - November 1940. Lines was discharged, April 1941, in order to re-engage in the Regular Army and was posted to 368 Battery, 113 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. He advanced to Sergeant in February 1942, and to Acting Warrant Officer II in February 1945.

Lines stayed in the army after the war, in order to complete 12 years service. He undertook multiple postings, and advanced to Warrant Officer Class II in November 1952. The following year he re-engaged to complete 22 years service, and was posted to 33rd Parachute Light Regiment, Royal Artillery in January 1958. Lines advanced to Warrant Officer Class I (R.S.M.) in January the following year. He was permitted to continue in service beyond 22 years, and was posted to 289 Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery in March 1963.

Lines was commissioned Lieutenant (Quarter Master) in August 1964, and served with the 3rd Light Regiment, R.H.A., August 1964 - March 1968. Having advanced to Captain (Quarter Master) in April 1966, subsequent postings included on attachment to the H.Q. Ulster Defence Regiment, February 1970 - January 1972. Lines advanced to Major (Quarter Master) in April 1972, and postings included as the Commandant of the Joint Service Parachute Centre. Major Lines retired in October 1976, after nearly 40 years of service. In later life he resided at 76 Flanshaw Crescent, Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Sold with an extensive amount of related items and documents, as befitting a soldier of such long service - these including: Royal Artillery Officer’s Sword, E.II.R., by Wilkinson Sword Ltd, with leather scabbard; Tray, stainless steel, engraved ‘Presented to W.O.I (R.S.M.) and Mrs E. Lines From Warrant Officers and Sergeants of 289th Parachute Light Regiments R.H.A. (T.A.)’; a plated salver - engraved ‘Presented to W.O.I (R.S.M.) E. Lines, M.M. By the Officers 289 Parachute Regiment, R.H.A. (T.A.) April 1964; a Mantel Clock, with metal plaque engraved ‘Presented To Major E. Lines MM RA By His Brother Officers Of Recruit Selection Centre On The Occasion Of His Retirement 12 October 1976’; a Canteen of Chrome Plated Cutlery, with metal plaque engraved ‘From W.O.s & Sgts. Edinburgh Battery 26.3.60; a number of prize medals and trophies - including a tankard engraved ‘Presented To R.Q.M.S. E. Lines MM. By W.O.’s & Sgts. Mess 33 PARA Lt. Regt R.A. 1959’; Berets, ties, and uniform complete with various insignia; a leather bound and annotated photograph album compiled by recipient, mainly comprising photographs of his posting to Tigne Barracks, Malta in 1956; 2 group photographs including recipient, firstly as part of the Warrant Officers & Sergeants of 33rd Parachute Light Regiment, Royal Artillery, and secondly as a Captain with the officers of the the 3rd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, both framed and glazed; a comprehensive file of letters, newspaper cuttings, M.O.D. correspondence and both recipient’s Warrant, dated 1 November 1952 and his Commission as Lieutenant (Quarter Master) R.A., dated 18 August 1964.

This is an age restricted lot: the successful buyer will be required to either collect in person, or arrange specialist shipping.