Medals 17-18 May 16

GROUPS AND SINGLE DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY 34

An outstanding Second World War North-West Europe operations D.S.O. group of six awarded to Major H. J. Walker, Royal Norfolk Regiment, attached Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry: having gained an early “mention” for his daring escape from France in June 1940 - in a fishing boat manned by a handful of survivors from the 7th Battalion, Royal Norfolks, with shovels and butts for oars, the whole under a heavy fire - he was decorated for his gallant part in Operation “Veritable” in February 1945, namely bitter fighting in the battle for Reichswald Forest in February 1945, throughout which he ‘appeared to bear a charmed life’

DISTINGUISHED SERVICEORDER, G.VI.R., silver-gilt and enamel, the reverse of the suspension bar officially dated ‘1945’, in its case of issue; 1939-1945 STAR; FRANCE ANDGERMANY STAR;DEFENCE ANDWARMEDALS 1939-45 M.I.D. oak leaf; EFFICIENCYMEDAL, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (Captain H. J. Walker, Norfolk.), together with a Norfolk Regiment lapel badge, silver, and Commemorative Medal for the Battles of the Somme 1914-18 and 1940, bronze, in card box of issue, good very fine (8) £3000-4000

D.S.O. London Gazette 11.10.1945:

‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North-West Europe’. The original recommendation states:

‘On the 8 February 1945, ‘B’ Company, 43rd Light Infantry, commanded by Major Walker, was ordered to capture the Brandenburg feature on the north-east corner of the Reichswald Forest. This involved crossing the bare glacis slopes leading up to the edge of the forest. The left flank - which was also the inter-divisional boundary - was quite open; the enemy automatic fire from the edge of the wood was heavy, with sporadic shelling; wireless communications were very bad; and Major Walker could not get in touch with his Regimental Headquarters. He therefore decided to press on at all costs - irrespective of progress on his flanks - and to secure his objective. With characteristic disregard for his own safety he quickly restored order to a slightly chaotic situation and leading his Company charged the objective, which he secured together with over twenty prisoners, thereby securing a most important tactical feature and materially helping the advance of attacking formations on his flanks.

On the night of 16 February, 1945, ‘B’ Company carried out a night attack on the farm buildings at Asperberg to the east of the Reichswald. This attack, carried out in the face of fierce opposition from hard fighting German parachutists, was a complete success, and resulted in the capture of fifteen prisoners and many killed. The success of the operation was entirely due to Major Walker’s careful planning and inspiring presence.

In other attacks, notably at Wesse, Kavaleer, Issum, Winterswijk, Iddenburen, Gross Hauslingen and Verden, Major Walker’s skilful handling of his company and his complete contempt of danger has inspired his company and indeed the whole Regiment, and made every operation undertaken by him - including Normandy - outstanding successes.

Major Walker has appeared to bear a charmed life, and the fact that he had survived to command his company in a regiment which had had 26 changes of company Commanders in eight months is in direct contradiction to his utter disregard of his own life. By his personal example and skilful handling and administration, Major Walker has contributed in a very large measure to the Allied victory.’

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