British Groups

Lot 4020    The J.J.Atkinson Collection    British Groups

Estimate $3,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $6,000

GROUP OF SEVEN TO MAJOR THOMAS CASEY, South Lancashire Regiment Military Cross (1945); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star, Defence Medal; British War Medal 1939-45 (MID); Africa General Service Medal - one bar - Kenya (Major. T.Casey. M.C. S.Lan.R.); Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (GVIR) (Major T.Casey. M.C. S.Lan.R.). Last two medals only named, impressed, others unnamed. Very fine.

MC: London Gazette 22 March 1945. 'For gallant and distinguished services in Burma. On 12 June 1944, Capt. Casey was commanding a platoon of 'B' Coy in a Battalion attack on KIDIMA village. There was a mist and Capt Casey's platoon suddenly found itself under heavy LMG fire from a bunker at close range. Capt Casey personally brought a LMG into action and engaged the enemy post to enable his platoon to move into a more favourable position for attacking the bunker. Shortly afterwards whilst manoeuvring into a position on the enemy's right flank in order to support the main company attack, Capt. Casey's platoon came under enfiladed fire from another enemy bunker. By skilful use of ground and firepower he was able to neutralise the enemy post and at the same time fulfil his task of covering the company attack. Later in the day the Company was ordered to withdraw. Just at this time a man from Capt. Casey's platoon was seriously wounded in close proximity to the enemy position. Capt. Casey again by skilful use of ground and direction of his available firepower, enabled the wounded man to be evacuated and his platoon to withdraw without further loss. By his leadership, resource and complete disregard for personal danger Capt. Casey proved a source of inspiration to all ranks under his command.'

MID: London Gazette 10 January 1946. 'For gallant and distinguished services in Burma.'

Awarded for the Irrawaddy River crossing in February 1945 when he secured a bridgehead on the enemy bank and held it against determined opposition until the rest of the battalion could cross.

Together with copy of MC citation; recipient's personal account of the Irrawaddy River crossing in February 1945; extract from the Battalion Chronicle detailing the participation in the Burma campaign; recipient's service details from the Regimental Headquarters, copies of photographs of the recipient and his obituary from the Regimental Chronicle.