My Father's Award for Gallantry
My father, Harrison Thompson, was an Acting Corporal in the 2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry. After the D-Day landings in Northern France, on 16th/17th June 1944, he was in charge of a small patrol which became isolated amidst enemy machine gun fire. He successfully led his patrol to safety and as a result, he was awarded the Military Medal. The citation in the London Gazette of 31st August 1944 describes what happened and states "It is considered that Corporal Thompson showed fine powers of leadership in bringing his men safely home and very great courage during the 20 hours he spent in the enemy area."
We have a copy of the War Office award recommendation for the Military Medal and a transcription of this. We also have a photograph of Field-Marshall Montgomery pinning on my father's Military Medal. Field Marshall Montgomery has signed the photograph. This photograph, and the Citation, are treasured family possessions. Sadly we no longer have the medal itself - my parents were very hard up after the war and were forced to sell it. We would love to know where it is now.