British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private M. Gowers, Essex Regiment, attached Pioneer Corps, who was killed in action in France in June 1940

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (6009238 Pte. M. Gowers, Essex R.); 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45, extremely fine (3) £200-250

Maurice Gowers was killed in action in France on 17 June 1940, while attached to the Pioneer Corps from the Essex Regiment. Aged 28 years, he left a widow, Ethel, who was resident at Great Waltham, Essex, and he is buried in Escoublac-la-Baule War Cemetery, France. An interesting note accompanies the description of this cemetery in Commonwealth War Graves Commission records:

‘Throughout the German occupation, Louise Jaouen, a resident of La Baule, dedicated all her time and energy to maintaining the graves. With money collected secretly from the generous local people she provided a cross for every grave and a small monument, had hedges planted, and employed a permanent gardener to tend the cemetery. Her devotion to this work was later honoured by the award of the King's Medal for Service in the Cause of Freedom.’