Beschreibung:

We had great assistance from our Troop Sergeant - Sergeant Eric Morrall, or “Mush” as he was better known - who was a tower of strength in every respect. A big tough forceful personality with a great sense of humour and a huge laugh to match his size. He looked every inch a regular soldier but in fact he was only a “duration slogger” like so many of us. He had long experience with the Squadron and always commanded respect from both officers and men for his capability and courage.’ The Shiny Fourth, by Captain Robert Warren, M.C., refers. A particularly fine and well-documented Second World War Desert Rat’s M.M., post-war B.E.M. group of seven awarded to Troop Sergeant E. A. Morrall, Royal Engineers, who was decorated for his gallant deeds with “The Shiny Fourth” Field Squadron in Belgium and Germany in 1944-45, just one chapter in a period of protracted active service that also encompassed evasion and work behind enemy lines in “Jock Campbell Columns” in the Western Desert - a story vividly described in his hitherto unpublished wartime memoirs Military Medal, G.VI.R. (1879612 Sjt. E. A. Morrall, R.E.); British Empire Medal, (Civil) E.II.R. (Eric Aylmore Morrall); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal, M.I.D.oak leaf, together with Siege of Tobruk 1941 commemorative, presentation award from the City of Wetteren, and his “Desert Rats” shoulder flash, lacquered, very fine and better (10) £2500-3000 Footnote M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1946. The original recommendation states: ‘Sergeant Morrall has served throughout the campaign in North-West Europe as a Troop Sergeant and has done outstanding and gallant service. Steady and resourceful in Troop administration, for which he has been responsible, he has in addition given an example of cheerfulness, gallantry and steadfast leadership under fire which has been an inspiration to all. At Wetteren on 6 September 1944, his troop bore the brunt of an attack by heavy enemy forces on a bridge which the Squadron was defending. He carried up ammunition and rallied a section disorganised by the enemy, himself leading it with a Bren gun and throughout contributed more than any other individual to the successful repulse of the attack with comparatively very heavy casualties to the enemy. At Gebroek on 12 January 1945, he led the sapper party laying a scissors bridge in the preliminary phase of the attack on Bakenhoven. The next night an attempt was made to bull dose a crossing nearer to Bakenhoven but the party was prevented by enemy S.A. and artillery fire. The danger of this had not passed, and made silent work essential when Sergeant Morrall later led out a small party. He worked up to his waist in icy water for as long as this could be endured and almost completed the crossing, constantly directing relays of men. On 16 April 1945, his troop was in support of 8th Hussars in the vigorous advance to Doremark, by passing Fallingbostel. This involved many minor sapper tasks and an exposed centre line through country still occupied by bands of enemy troops. Twice during the night Sergeant Morrall made this journey in his jeep, once with rations and at first light to take up an assault bridge. On each occasion enemy troops were encountered. Once, when engaged by a party of five men with small arm s, he, the driver, and one other sapper returned their fire and killed two. This N.C.O. stands out from all others in the Squadron for sound judgement, skill in the many sapper tasks with which he has been concerned and steadiness under fire. He is held in respect and affection alike by officers and men.’ B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1966. Eric Aylmore “Mush” Morrall was born in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, in February 1920, where he was working as an apprentice fitter on the outbreak of hostilities in September 1939. Enlisting in the Royal Engineers in the following month, he was posted to a training unit at Napier Barracks, Shorncliffe and thenc