British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The mounted group of eight miniature dress medals attributed to Major Eric Lines, Airborne Artillery

Military Medal, G.VI.R.; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Cyprus; General Service 1962, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland; Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army, mounted court style as worn, very fine and better (9) £140-180

M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1946.

Eric Lines was born on 12 October 1921. He enlisted into the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (T.A.) on 24 March 1938. Embodied and posted to the 2/4th Battalion K.O.Y.L.I. in September 1939, he was transferred to the Royal Artillery in February 1940. In March 1942 he attained the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the Military Medal for his numerous services in Northwest Europe during 1944-45. His recommendation specifically mentions his ‘aggressive spirit’ and lists his bravery in action, firstly soon after landing with his gun in the defence of Pegasus Bridge over the River Orne at Benouville, in June 1944; his similar actions of bravery at Nijmegan in September 1944 and at Twist Bridge during the Rhine Crossing; and at Belsen, where he took a leading part in the organisation of the female reception camp for some 10,000 women.

Post-war, he continued to serve in the Royal Artillery and attained the rank of Acting Warrant Officer Class 1 in January 1959. In August 1964 he was appointed to a commission in the Royal Artillery and attained the rank of Major in April 1972; retiring in October 1976.

Sold with a silver ashtray, 105mm. dia., hallmarks for Birmingham 1971, inscribed, ‘Presented to Major E. Lines, M.M.’ and engraved with an ‘Airborne’ emblem. With a portrait colour photograph of the recipient in uniform and a quantity of copied papers and research including M.M. recommendation.