A Collection of Awards for the 1939-45 War

A good Second World War Italy operations M.M. group of six awarded to Warrant Officer Class 2 E. C. F. Hyland, Royal Fusiliers

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (6461615 Sgt. E. C. F. Hyland, R. Fus.); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oakleaf; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, Territorial (6461615 W.O. Cl. 2 E. C. F. Hyland, M.M., R.F.), generally good very fine (6) £1600-1800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards for the 1939-45 War.

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M.M. London Gazette 6 April 1944. The original recommendation - for an immediate D.C.M. - states:

‘On 14 December 1943, at Caldari, the enemy brought down very heavy mortar fire on Sergeant Hyland’s platoon, which had advanced to the outskirts of the town. Heavy casualties were suffered but Sergeant Hyland realised that the position must be maintained. He visited and encouraged all sections at a critical stage, in doing which he continually exposed himself to mortar fire and snipers. He showed great powers of leadership during this period of re-organisation. On the same night he took out a recce. patrol to find out if the enemy were still occupying a position which had previously been unsuccessfully attacked. He forced the enemy to give away their positions by going right up and throwing grenades into suspected positions. He brought back most important information. Throughout the battle he showed himself to be a fearless and capable Platoon Commander.’

Edward Charles Frederick Hyland was serving in the 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, at the time of the above deeds, a unit of 17th Infantry Brigade, 8th Indian Division, 5 Corps.