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My Father's Award for Gallantry

online resource
posted on 2024-06-05, 18:17 authored by Their Finest Hour Project Team

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.

History

Item list and details

1. Citation for Military Medal WO 373/48/270 (copy of actual document) 2. Transcription of citation. 3. Signed photograph showing Field-Marshall Montgomery awarding the Military Medal to my father. 4. Photograph of my father with his military unit (2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry) also signed by Field-Marshall Montgomery.

Person the story/items relate to

Harrison Thompson - "Harry".

Person who shared the story/items

Linda Darling

Relationship between the subject of the story and its contributor

He was my father.

Type of submission

Shared online via the Their Finest Hour project website.

Record ID

95371