Lot 619 , A WW2 Military Cross group of four medals to Major C. L. Rawlins K.O.Y.L.I

A WW2 Military Cross group of four medals to Major C. L. Rawlins K.O.Y.L.I comprising MC, named and dated 1945, 1939-45 star, F&G star, W.M, D.M, with related ephemera.
Estimate £800-1,200

MC - CAPTAIN C.L.RALINS. K.O.Y.L.I. 1945 in leather case with spare ribbon.
W.M, D.M, 39-45, F&G all unused with unused ribbons and O.H.M.S box.
1953 Safe Driving Competition 5 Years award
Churchill Crown
GVI For Loyal Service lapel badge
Floral engraved silver coloured pin badge
Two gilt metal and red velvet 'crown' pips.

Lieutenant (temporary Captain) (acting Major)
Cyril Llewellyn Rawlins (105488)
The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry

'On 11th September, 1944, Major Rawlins was in command of 'C' Company. He was ordered to attack an eneamy strong point which commanded the main road to Harfleur and Le Havre from the East. At the same time, another strong point to the left was to be attacked by another Company.
The attacks went in just before dawn, but after advancing some distance, Major Rawlins' Company found itself in an anti-personnel minefield on a forward slope under heavy artillery and mortar fire, and small arms fire from the two strong points.
Major Rawlins, using his wireless, arranged with his Commanding Officer, the details of a new plan to attack the position supported by artillery, tanks and flails. He moved around his Company giving his orders and reassuring them and restoring their confidence during the necessarily somewhat long time before the attack developed. The detailed planning with the representative of the flails and tanks had to be done under enemy fire and Major Rawlins did this calmly and regardless of the risk to himself, pointing out where the lanes should be made through the minefield and the position of his men.
At the appointed time, Major Rawlins led his Company forward through the gaps made, into the strong point. The attack was so well planned and executed that the Company had no casualties in the actual assault and captured 57 prisoners and a large quantity of arms and ammunition, including mortars, heavy machine guns, light machine guns and flame throwers.
Major Rawlins was asked if he wishes to withdraw his Company after the initial setback, but his answer was that he preferred to stay where he was and continue his attack as soon as adequate support could be arranged. By this decision. Major Rawlins considerably hastened the capture of Harfleur and subsequently Le Havre, as these two very strong enemy positions effectively controlled the main road in from the East, and it was largely due to his inspiring leadership and his complete disregard of danger that the attack was successful.'
Ephemera includes-
4 April 1945 ltter re the award from the War Office with copy of the citation (as above).
Newspaper cuttings. Birth Certificate, Booklet 'War History of the 1/4th Battalion the KOYLI'
Letters to his widow re claim for a widows pension.
KOYLI The Bugle Jan, 1946.
Letter and ticket to witness the Investiture 3.7.1945
Notification from War Office to R.E.Rawlins that his son Major Rawlins had been wounded on 28.12.1944
Two copies of Shell Magazine March 1945 (for whom he worked post war)
Letters of congratulation.
Photos, in uniform and later in life.




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Sold for £1,000