GROUPS AND SINGLE DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY
790
The exceptional Korean War M.C. group of nine awarded to Brigadier A. D. ‘Tony’ Firth, O.B.E., M.C., Duke of
Wellington’s Regiment, a veteran of the Burma Campaign who was decorated for his gallant command of ‘B’ Company
during the Battle of the Hook. His citation states: ‘although under constant pressure he remained completely calm and
inspired his men with confidence and the determination to fight’, he is described in another account of the action as
being ‘imperturbable in all circumstances’ having ‘been brought up to believe that the British always won all wars in
which they were involved’ - a fitting mantra considering that the Chinese were said to have outnumbered the British
by five to one in this epic action
THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type; MILITARY CROSS, E.II.R., reverse officially
dated 1953 and additionally inscribed ‘Major A. D. Firth, M.B.E.; 1939-45 STAR; BURMA STAR; DEFENCE AND WAR MEDALS; KOREA
1950-53 (Major A. D. Firth, M.B.E., D.W.R.); U.N. KOREA; CORONATION 1953, generally nearly extremely fine (9)
£18000-22000
Company Commanders at Pusan in Korea;
from left to right Majors Simmonds, Kershaw, Kavanagh and Firth
O.B.E. London Gazette 2 June 1962.
M.B.E. London Gazette 28 June 1945. The original recommendation states:
‘Throughout the period of operations from 9 April to 15 Jul 1944, Major Firth has been Staff Officer of 76 column 2 D.W.R. Never for a
moment has he ceased to maintain the highest standards of efficiency, in all matters whether operational or administrative; both in face
of the enemy and in the everyday work of the column. He has allowed neither sickness nor fatigue at any time to impair the quality of
his work. Apart from his duties as Staff Officer, he has successfully commanded detachments in operations. His example and high sense
of duty have been an inspiration to all ranks.’
M.C. London Gazette 8 December 1953. The original recommendation states:
‘Major Firth has commanded a rifle company in action for many months. Under very trying conditions he has kept his company up to a
first class standard of fighting efficiency and by his ceaseless interest in the welfare of his men, he has ensured that morale has
remained high.
www.dnw.co.uk
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