A Second World War Italian Theatre British Empire Medal, Military Division, GRJ cypher, awarded to Warrant Sergeant D.H. Harris, 908 Road Construction Company, Royal Engineers for repairing a bridge in the wet season over a wide, fast flowing River Esino, this being essential for communications in building up for the final assault in April 1945 by the Eighth Army.
British Empire Medal, Military Division, GRJ cypher; (2196931 SGT. DAVID H. HARRIS. R.E.)
Condition: Nearly Extremely Fine
David Herbert Harris was Mentioned in Despatches in the London Gazette of 11th January 1945, and would then be awarded the British Empire Medal in the London Gazette of 13th December 1945 for actions whilst serving with the 809 Road Construction Company, Royal Engineers as a Warrant Serjeant (No 2196931). The recommendation for this award reads:
‘Following heavy floods in January 45, the temporary bridge carrying southbound traffic on Route 16 over the River Esino was rendered useless on account of damage to four central piers. Sjt Harris was in charge of the practical side of repair work in maintaining Route 16 which was essential for communications in building up for final assault in April 45 by the Eighth Army. Great credit is due to Sjt Harris, not only for his devotion to duty, but for the skill he displayed in overcoming difficulties inseparable from such work when carried out in the wet season near the mouth of a wide, fast flowing river, subject to rapid rises in level. Sjt Harris’s cheerful example was an inspiration to all ranks.