Catalogue Auction Information

Fine Arms, Armour & Militaria Auction (169) 23/10/24 10:00 AM Closed

Starts Ending 23/10/24 10:00 AM BST

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Lot 22A Good WW2 1944 Italian Campaign Military Cross Medal Group of 4 to a Major in the 2nd Battalion 4th Prince of Wales’ Own Gurkha Rifles, Who was Later Killed in Action

A Good WW2 1944 Italian Campaign Military Cross Medal Group of 4 to a Major in the 2nd Battalion 4th Prince of Wales’ Own Gurkha Rifles, Who was Later Killed in Action
A Good WW2 1944 Italian Campaign Military Cross Medal Group of 4 to a Major in the 2nd Battalion 4th Prince of Wales’ Own Gurkha Rifles, Who was Later Killed in Action, Military Cross, GVIR 1st type, reverse officially dated 1944 and additionally engraved ‘MAJOR HAROLD ST.J. BRODRICK PITTARD, 2/4TH P.W.O. GURKHA RIFLES, OCT 22ND’, 1939-45 Star Medal, Africa Star Medal, Italy Star Medal and a War Medal 1939-45. 1st in Royal Mint case of issue accompanied by a miniature military cross (GVR type). Military Cross, London Gazette, 7th December 1944 - The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy: — Lieutenant (acting Captain) Harold St. John Brodrick-Pittard (6408 EC), Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army. The recommendation for this award states – During the Attack on Pt. 449 near TRESTINA on the night 9/10 July 1944, Capt BRODRICK-PITTARD’S company was given the task of capturing a subsidiary objective in order to clear the route for the main assault. The company met with unexpectedly heavy opposition, and was held up by at least six machine guns firing on fixed lines and by heavy mortar concentrations. Though himself wounded Capt BRODRICK-PITTARD moved about under heavy fire, reorganising his company, and issuing fresh orders for the attack. He then led the attack in person, and despite heavy casualties his company captured its objective, thus paving the way for a successful assault on the main feature. Shortly after daybreak on the 10 July Capt BRODRICK-PITTARD’S company came under heavy machine gun and mortar fire from hills to the north, and the position became untenable. He skilfully extricated the remnants of his company to the main feature where he and hid company joined another company already in position, and subsequently assisted in repelling a heavy counter-attack. Throughout the operation Capt BRODRICK-PITTARD showed outstanding qualities of leadership, and his personal bravery was an inspiration to his men. Originally from Huyton, Liverpool, Harold St. John Brodrick-Pittard initially served in the Irish Guards between July 1940 and January 1942. He was wounded on the 11th July 1944 during the action for which he received his Military Cross, returning to duty he was killed in action on 22nd October 1944 aged 25 years whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion. He now rests in an identified grave in Ravenna War Cemetery, Italy. Lot includes a copy of his service record. His younger brother, Major Alan Robert Brodrick-Pittard, was killed in action on 13th May 1944 whilst serving with the 1st Battalion 4th Prince of Wales’ Own Gurkha Rifles and is remembered on the Rangoon Memorial in Myanmar. Categories: Medals
Estimate:
Lot closed - Winning bid:£620
Estimate: £800 - £1,200

 

  • A Good WW2 1944 Italian Campaign Military Cross Medal Group of 4 to a Major in the 2nd Battalion 4th Prince of Wales’ Own Gurkha Rifles, Who was Later Killed in Action
  • A Good WW2 1944 Italian Campaign Military Cross Medal Group of 4 to a Major in the 2nd Battalion 4th Prince of Wales’ Own Gurkha Rifles, Who was Later Killed in Action - 2
  • A Good WW2 1944 Italian Campaign Military Cross Medal Group of 4 to a Major in the 2nd Battalion 4th Prince of Wales’ Own Gurkha Rifles, Who was Later Killed in Action - 3
  • A Good WW2 1944 Italian Campaign Military Cross Medal Group of 4 to a Major in the 2nd Battalion 4th Prince of Wales’ Own Gurkha Rifles, Who was Later Killed in Action - 4
  • A Good WW2 1944 Italian Campaign Military Cross Medal Group of 4 to a Major in the 2nd Battalion 4th Prince of Wales’ Own Gurkha Rifles, Who was Later Killed in Action - 5
  • A Good WW2 1944 Italian Campaign Military Cross Medal Group of 4 to a Major in the 2nd Battalion 4th Prince of Wales’ Own Gurkha Rifles, Who was Later Killed in Action - 6
  • A Good WW2 1944 Italian Campaign Military Cross Medal Group of 4 to a Major in the 2nd Battalion 4th Prince of Wales’ Own Gurkha Rifles, Who was Later Killed in Action - 7
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