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Auction: 26001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 248

(x) 'Captain Harry Hawkes, commanding "D" Company, was wounded while trying to reorganize the scattered parties that were fighting it out bravely with dwindling stocks of ammunition, their grenades practically used up.'

(The brave actions of Captains Hawkes at the Battle of Monte Cassino, History of the Royal Sussex Regiment, refers)

The 'Attack on El Heida' M.C. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel G. W. Hawkes, 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, who was also conspicuous in his leadership during the Battle of Monte Cassino, being wounded in the attack on Pt. 593, joining the Parachute Regiment post-war


Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse dated '1943'; 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Palestine 1945-48, Cyprus (Major. G. W. Hawkes. M.C. R. Sussex.), mounted as worn, sold together with a corresponding riband bar, minor contact marks, good very fine overall (7)

M.C. London Gazette 8 July 1943, the original recommendation states:

'As liaison officer from Hq 7 Ind Inf Bde he was attached to 1 R. Sussex during the hight 5/6 Apr 43 for the attack on DJ. El Heida 0954 and on the Anti Tank Ditch defences as far Eastwards as 100548.
From 0040 hrs, 6 Apr the Bn continued to advance under heavy mortar and M.G. fire throughout the night and Captain Hawkes coolness was an example to all ranks. Just before first light, seeing that fire was still coming from the right of the Bn. objective he collected together a party of men, ordered them to fix bayonets and led them forward to clear the remainder of the objective. This they did after some resistance and they captured several prisoners and a troop of 75mm guns. Captain Hawkes then assisted in getting these guns into action against the enemy on the right flank who were holding up the 50 Div. attack. His party was then shelled and also heavily fired on by M.G.s. The latter he silenced with rifle fire.
Captain Hawkes' bravery, initiative and leadership very materially contributed to the successful capture of the right of the battalion objective, which in turn prevented fire from the area being directed on the 50 Div attack.'

Geoffrey William 'Harry' Hawkes was born on 29 March 1920 and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant with the Royal Sussex Regiment on 20 April 1940. Posted to the 1st Battalion, he joined them in East Africa where they joined in the campaign in Eritrea and, upon its successful conclusion, joined the British forces in the Desert.

There Hawkes was advanced Lieutenant on 20 October 1941 and Captain the next month on 22 November 1941. Present for the Battle of El-Alamein he was to be decorated for his actions in the following advance through the last German positions and into Tunisia.

After the advance into Italy began Hawkes found himself thrown into the Battalion's bloody contribution to the Battle of Monte Cassino, most notably the attack on Point 593, the History of the Royal Sussex Regiment again refers:

'Well protected by good sangers, and supplied as before with unlimited grenades, the enemy rained them down upon The Royal Sussex, who were in the open. Their Spandaus, two per section and well sited, did considerable execution.'

The same publication again singles Hawkes out for praise in the aftermath of the fighting:

'Among officers should be mentioned Major Dalton, a veteran of the long Africa campaigns, from Eritrea to Tunis, who won the D.S.O. for bravery when commanding his company at Cassino. Wounded, he remained in action with them, and proved the mainstay of the Battalion. Besides Major Gratton and Captain Hawkes, already referred to for their gallant leadership, both wounded in the attack on Pt. 593…'

(IBID)

His wound cannot have been too severe as he was advanced Major on 21 March 1944 and ended the war in that rank. Appointed a Staff Officer in the wake of the conflict Hawkes saw action with his Regiment in Palestine and then joined the British Military Mission to Greece as their Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General on 1 May 1948, remaining there until the following year.

His next major appointment was to the Training Team Iraq on 7 September 1951 again serving there for a year before returning to regular Staff Duties. Joining the Parachute Regiment on 31 May 1958 and was advanced Lieutenant-Colonel with them on 3 October 1961. It was perhaps this which resulted in his appointment to the Central Recce Establishment of the Royal Air Force on 16 April 1964 where he remained until his retirement on 25 March 1970. Hawkes died on 25 September 1991; sold together with copied research as well as four photographs of the recipient in uniform, a memorial service order of service, assorted, pips, cap badges, shoulder titles and a hip flask engraved 'Presented to Lt. Col. G. W. Hawkes. M.C. by Warrant Officers & Sergeants 12/13th Bn. The Parachute Regiment (T.A.) 1964.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£1,800 to £2,200

Starting price
£1400