GROUPS AND SINGLE DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY
His company was severely tested for many days before and during the Chinese attack on to the Hook position, being subjected to
repeated probing attacks and very heavy shelling. Major Firth, although under constant pressure remained completely calm and
inspired his men with confidence and the determination to fight. Without regard to his own safety, he moved constantly around his
position organising the defence works, perfecting fire plans and encouraging his men. Owing to his own tireless efforts and superb
guidance and to the high morale of his men, the company fought the Chinese with great gallantry and skill.
Major Firth’s personal courage, outstanding leadership and high sense of duty throughout the Korean war have been an example and
inspiration to the officers and men of the Regiment.’
The following is extracted from the book, Fortune Favours The Brave, by A. J. Barker:
‘B’ Company, commanded by Major Tony Firth who had held the appointment originally intended for Major Austin (whose Korean
War M.C. group was sold by D.N.W. in June 2007 for £26,000) as Lieutenant Colonel Bunbury’s battle adjutant, was destined to take
over the key positions on the Hook proper. Tony Firth was a model of what a first-class professional soldier should be. Imperturbable in
all circumstances, he was alert, understanding and competent; he handled the men under him with sympathetic firmness and his
officers with a tact devoid of subservience. He could cope with the unpredictable, was a hard worker, but knew how to enjoy leisure
and had in his personality a strong tinge of humour blended with a sense of the ridiculous. Intensely loyal to Lieutenant Colonel
Bunbury, and to regimental tradition, Firth had been brought up to assume that the British always won all wars in which they were
involved. If he had any chinks in his armour as a soldier they might have been derived from this belief, and his concern for the officers
and men for whom he was responsible.’
The main Chinese assault on the Hook began on the night of 26-27 May, when, following a heavy calibre artillery bombardment, a
wave of infantry overran the Dukes’ forward positions in a fierce hand-to-hand encounter. Simultaneously, three separate waves of the
enemy attacked from the “Ronson Spur”, but were repelled with heavy loss. But with characteristic bugle-blowing fanaticism, the
enemy returned in force, again and again, their ranks being filled by an estimated eight companies, from three battalions - the whole
specially trained and outnumbering the Dukes by an estimated five to one. But at length, after 48 hours of constant action, the Dukes
gained the upper hand, and pushed back the Chinese in a series of gallant counter-attacks.
Brigadier Anthony Denys Firth, O.B.E., M.C. was born on 29 May 1919, being commissioned into the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment
in the rank of Second Lieutenant in January 1939; promoted Lieutenant, January 1941 and War Substantive Captain, July 1942. During
the Second World War he served in India and Burma with the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (awarded M.B.E.). A
memoir written by him detailing his services in this theatre is held by the Department of Documents at the Imperial War Museum. He
was promoted to the rank of Major in July 1943, which rank he still held during the Korean War when he gained the award of the M.C.;
Lieutenant Colonel in March 1960; Colonel in May 1963 and Brigadier in December 1966, before retiring from the army in March
1968.
791
A Civil M.B.E. group of six awarded to Major John Marc Bishop Wratislaw, Connaught Rangers
THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver, in Royal Mint case of
issue; QUEEN’S SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith,
Transvaal (Lieut.1st Connaught Rang.); KING’S SOUTH AFRICA 1901-02, 2 clasps (Lieut., Con. Rang.); 1914 STAR, with clasp
(Capt., Conn. Rang.) gilded; BRITISH WAR AND VICTORY MEDALS (Major) Victory gilded, mounted as worn, some contact
marks, nearly very fine and better (6) £800-900
M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1947. ‘Honorary Secretary, Dorset Garden Produce Committee.’
M.I.D. London Gazette 10 September 1902.
Appointed 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Battalion Connaught Rangers, 6 December 1899. Promoted to Lieutenant in October 1901; Captain in
June 1907 and Major in September 1915.
Wratislaw served with the 1st Battalion Connaught Rangers and Mounted Infantry during the Boer War. He was present at the relief of
Ladysmith, Vaal Krantz and Tugela Heights. In the latter action he was wounded in the leg while crossing the Tugela at Pom-Pom
Bridge. He also served in operations in the Orange Free State, Transvaal, Natal and Cape Colony. For his services he was awarded the
Queen’s medal with 5 clasps, the King’s medal with two, and was mentioned in despatches. During the Great War he served in
France/Flanders and Mesopotamia. Post-war was Chairman of the Bride Valley Branch Royal British Legion. With copied research.
www.dnw.co.uk
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