British Groups

Lot 4005    The J.J.Atkinson Collection    British Groups

Estimate $8,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $8,000

GROUP OF TWELVE TO MAJOR GENERAL GERARD WILLIAM EDGERTON HEATH, Royal Artillery Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB); Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE); Distinguished Service Order (1945); Military Cross (1916); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18 (Capt. G.W.E. Heath.); Victory Medal (Capt. G.E.W. Heath); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal; British War Medal 1939-45 (MID); Coronation Medal 1953. First World War trio named, impressed, others unnamed. Very fine.

CB: London Gazette 1 January 1949. New Year's Honours List.

CBE: London Gazette 1 February 1945. 'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.'

DSO: London Gazette 11 October 1945. 'In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe. Brigadier Heath has been Corps Commander, Royal Artillery, 12 Corps, throughout all operations during the past winter. His handling of the Corps of Artillery has proved to be a winning factor in all these battles. In particular he was faced with a most intricate problem in the assault crossing of the River Rhine. Here, apart from the normal support necessary for this Corps, he had also to provide support for XVIII U.S. Airborne Corps, a most difficult task. This he achieved with the greatest success and undoubtedly, by his fire plan for support, saved the airborne troops considerable casualties. The secret of Brigadier Heath's success is largely due to the fact that he himself was consistently forward with the leading troops, carrying out personal reconnaissances.'

MC: London Gazette 14 November 1916. 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. As observation officer he carried out his work under very heavy fire with great courage and ability.'

MID: London Gazette 20 December 1940. 'In recognition of distinguished services in connection with operations in the field March - June 1940.'

Together with copies of relevant London Gazette entries; newspaper clippings; Who was Who entry; obituary of his father Major General Sir Gerard Moore Heath and copy of recipient's obituary.

Gerard William Egerton Heath (1897-1980). Who Was Who 1971-1980 Heath, Maj.-Gen Gerard William Egerton, CB 1949; CBE 1945; DSO 1945; MC 1916; retired; b 17 March 1897; s of late Maj.-Gen. Sir G.M.Heath, KCMG, CB and Mary (n‚e Egerton); m 1923, Hilda Mary, (ne Houldsworth)(from whom he obtained a divorce, 1931); two d; m 1933, Gwendda Curtis (ne Evans). Educ: Wellington Coll.; RMA Woolwich. Commissioned RA, 1915; served European War, 1915-18 (wounded); War of 1939-45 (dispatches, 1940); CRA 43rd Div., 1942-44; CCRA 12 Corps, 1944-45; CCRA 1st Airborne Corps, 1945; Commandant Sch. Of Artillery, Larkhill, 1945-47; GOC 1st Anti-Aircraft Group, 1947-49; GOC Troops, Malta, 1949-51. Pres. Regular Commissions Board, 1951-54, retired Nov. 1954. Col Comdt RA and Royal Malta Artillery, 1955, RHA 1957. Recreations: shooting and all forms of mounted sport. Address: Westbrook Farm, Avebury, Wilts. T: Avebury 248. Club: Naval and Military. [Died 13 July 1980.