Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War ‘Burma - Arakan Campaign’ M.M. group of five awarded to Lance Corporal A. O’Thick, 9th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment - ‘an outstanding and aggressive soldier. He excelled in patrol work, and on three separate occasions he “got his man” in clashes with the enemy’

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (4536214 L/Cpl. A. OThick. [sic] Y. & L. R.) minor edge nicks; 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for display, very fine (5) £1,000-£1,400

M.M. London Gazette 17 January 1946. The original recommendation states:

‘Throughout the campaign in Arakan, culminating in the action at Ru-ywa in February, 1945, L/Cpl. O’Thick was an outstanding and aggressive soldier. He excelled in patrol work, and on three separate occasions he “got his man” in clashes with the enemy. On one occasion his quick and cool skill and disregard for his own safety save the life of his patrol commander, when he shot a Japanese at close range.

Throughout the campaign this junior N.C.O.’s service was outstanding, and he was largely responsible for the fact that his section’s morale and aggressive spirit were maintained at a high level to the end.’

Arthur O’Thick initially served during the Second World War with the West Yorkshire Regiment. He subsequently transferred to the 9th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment and served as part of the 53rd Indian Infantry Brigade, 25th Indian Division, 15th Indian Corps in the Arakan Campaign in Burma, 1944-45. Culminating in taking part in the amphibious landings and assault at the coastal village of Ru Ywa, 16 February 1945.