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Auction: 20003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 273

A rare Second World War Italy 1944 Warrant Officer's posthumous immediate M.C. group of five attributed to Warrant Officer Class 2 (Company Sergeant Major) E. A. Manley, 2nd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, who died of wounds on 25 July 1944

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated '1944', and additionally engraved '5435033 C.S.M. E.A. Manley D.C.L.I. Italy'; 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear by Spink & Son, very fine (5)

M.C. London Gazette 27 December 1944. The original recommendation - for an immediate D.C.M. - states:

'On 27 June 1944 in the attack on the ridge East of Casa Maggiore, D Coy to which CSM Manley belonged was on the left. Soon after crossing the start line, the Company came under heavy M.G. fire from the front and the left flank as well as being heavily mortared and shelled. The Coy Commander was wounded and the signaller killed. A Subaltern took over the Company, which was completely pinned down on a forward slope, and CSM Manley returned to Bn.HQ under heavy fire to report the situation and fetch a wireless set. Whilst he was at Bn.HQ. the Subaltern was killed. CSM Manley returned to the Company which was still under heavy fire, took over command for the rest of the day, and eventually adjusted positions so that support could be given to the attack of another Company. His cool and fearless leadership undoubtedly saved many casualties within his Company as well as contributing to the successful attack of the other Company later in the day. Three days later on July 1st, during the attack East of Petrignano, CSM Manley again showed outstanding leadership and personal courage, and was largely responsible for keeping the Company under control in very confused fighting when two of the Platoon Commanders and several section commanders had become casualties.'

Edward Albert Manley saw service as a Warrant Officer Class 2 and Company Sergeant Major (No.5435033) with the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry in Italy during the Second World War, and served in the operations leading to the capture of Monte Cassino during May 1944 when his battalion was involved in very strenuous fighting including the crossing of the River Gari, and the successful attack on Pt.63.

Manley then his M.C. for his actions during the attack on the ridge east of Casa Maggiore on the 27 June 1944 when Company Sergeant Major and later Temporary Commander of 'D' Company, and subsequently for his actions when C.S.M of the same for the attack east of Petrignano on 1 July 1944. He died of wounds on 25 July and is buried in the Foiano Dell Chiana War Cemetery, Tuscany.





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Estimate
£600 to £800

Starting price
£450

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