Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 1008 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 17

The Second War 1945 ´Burma´ M.C. Group of Three to Forward Observation Officer Captain D.H. Rouse, Royal Artillery a) Military Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated ´1946´ and additionally privately engraved ´Burma Capt. D.H. Rouse R.A.´, in Royal Mint case of issue b) 1939-1945 Star c) Burma Star, extremely fine, with the recipient´s full entitlement of six miniature awards (including additionally the Defence Medal, War Medal, and Efficiency Medal), and the following related documentation &c.: - Named Buckingham Palace enclosure for the Military Cross - Mentioned in Despatches Certificate, dated 9.5.1946 - Named War Office enclosures for the award of the M.C. and the M.I.D., dated 6.6.1946 and 9.5.1946 respectively - Recipient´s discharge certificate from the ranks, due to receiving a Commission, dated 5.2.1944; and final release certificate, dated 21.4.1947, with War Office enclosure - Two newspaper cuttings regarding the award of the M.C. and the M.I.D. - The recipient´s War Department Driving Permit - Burma Star Association lapel badge (3) Estimate £ 800-1,000 M.C. London Gazette 6.6.1946 Captain (temporary) Douglas Harold Rouse (326244), Royal Regiment of Artillery (London, W.1) ´In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.´ The Recommendation states: ´During the period 15th February to 15th June, 1945, Captain Rouse was a Troop Commander and operated with his battery in support of 4/5 Royal Gurkha Rifles (114 Indian Infantry Brigade) at Pakoku, with 28 East African Brigade at Letse and again with 4/5 Royal Gurkha Rifles in their advance from Letse to Padan. After crossing the Irrawaddy the battery was again in action at Mile Stone 192 on the Rangoon to Prome Road and Wettigan in support of 33 Indian Infantry Brigade. Throughout this period this officer was the only experienced Observation Post Officer due to heavy casualties. Consequently he was sent out on every action and often remained as Forward Observation Officer for long periods. Captain Rouse set a high example of devotion to duty and through his leadership and efficiency inspired such confidence among his own Infantry that they always asked for him as Forward Observation Officer. One of the many tributes paid to his work by the Infantry is as follows: "Captain Rouse while Forward Observation Officer under my command during 30th to 31st May by day and night when engaged in operation against the enemy showed much courage and coolness. On 31st May he showed gallantry when on a recce with me, his escort killed a Jap soldier. He was of much value to me throughout the above period and brought down fire very effectively" C.O. 2 Baroda. At Letse on 30th March after a Jap attack had been beaten off with heavy casualties a Company of 4/14 Punjabs sent to clear the battlefield, was suddenly surrounded and pinned to the ground. Captain Rouse with an escort of one section was immediately sent out as Forward Observation Officer to assist the company. He first brought artillery fire onto an area indicated on wireless and as a result of this accurate close shoot the company extricated itself and a guide led the party back to the company. He then along with the Company Commander arranged a fire plan and an attack on the enemy. This was registered and as quickly executed that the attack was completely successful and the enemy lost fifty killed. On 6th May this officer was Forward Observation Officer with the leading company of 4/5 Royal Gurkha Rifles and a troop of tanks at Mile Stone 28 on Minbu-Padan Road. A Jap gun suddenly opened up at close range, destroyed one tank, and shelled a mortar troop caught in the open. Movement was dangerous and the exact position of gun or Japs was not known. Captain Rouse however immediately recced an observation post, spotted the flash, and enabled counter bombardment fire to be brought down. This quick and gallant action enabled the remaining tanks and mortar troop to extricate itself and thus saved much equipment and many lives.´ M.I.D. London Gazette 9.5.1946 Capt. (actg.) D. H. Rouse (326244), Royal Regiment of Artillery ´In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.´ Captain Douglas Harold Rouse, M.C., enlisted in the Royal Artillery, 26.4.1939; promoted Sergeant, 28.5.1942; served with the Royal Artillery in India and Burma from 1942; Commissioned Second Lieutenant, Royal Artillery, 6.2.1944; promoted Lieutenant, 6.9.1944; temporary Captain, 19.6.1945; relinquished his Commission with the rank of Captain, 21.4.1947. After the War Captain Rouse was employed as a Sales Manager at Wiggins Teape Stationers in Hampshire, retiring in the 1970s to Hunstanton on the north Norfolk coast.

Sold for
£1,000