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Auction: 9024 - The Property of a Gentleman Orders, Decorations and Campaign Medals
Lot: 707

A 1944 Immediate ´Gothic Line´ M.M. to Rifleman H.A. Sparrow, Royal Ulster Rifles Miltary Medals, G.VI.R. (14433707 Rfmn. H.A. Sparrow. R.U.Rif.), very fine Estimate £ 1,000-1,200 M.M. London Gazette 8.3.1945 Rfmn. H.A. Sparrow, R.U.Rif. The Recommendation, dated 3.10.1944, states: ´´On 10 Sep ´´44, Rfn. Sparrow was Pl runner to 11 Pl, B Coy, 1/LIR, in the area of San Savino cemetery. The Coy was dug in on a bare hill under full observation of the enemy and under almost continual shell and mortar fire for 48 hours. During this period, on several occasions Rfn Sparrow was despatched by daylight carrying important messages to Coy HQ., some 300 yards away. On one of these occasions he was blown into the air by the blast from a mortar bomb. In spite of this he refused to be replaced by another man and all his messages were safely delivered. On 10 Sep ´´44 at 2300hrs he was a member of a patrol which was investigating an area where three spandaus had been located. As the patrol started a large shell landed near blowing him off his feet and severely shaking him. The patrol officer suggested to him that he should return to his Coy to recover but he refused to be relieved and continued with the patrol. His example of courage and determination was an inspiration to the platoon which brought back valuable information of the enemy positions.´´ At the time the London Irish Rifles had been absorbed as part of the Royal Ulster Rifles in the same way that the London Scottish Rifles had become part of the Gordon Highlanders. Provenance: J.B. Hayward August 1968

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£1,900