Croix de Guerre
The Croix de Guerre was designed by the sculptor Paul-Albert Bartholome. The medal is 37 mm in size and is in the shape of a Maltese cross with two swords criss-crossed through the center. In the center of the front, is the profile of the French Republic crested by a Phrygian cap. Around this portrait, are the words République française (“French Republic”). On the reverse of the medal are the dates of the conflict : 1939–1940, 1939–1945, or simply 1940.
Honoured
George Harold Abram
1895577 Corporal
George Harold Abram
Belgium Croix de Guerre 1940
5 Bomb Disposal Company
Royal Engineers
The Recommendation is taken from file WO373/111/1171 held at the National Archives
Placed in the London Gazette on 15 October 1946. Supplement 37761. Page 5142.
During September 1944 this N.C.O. was in charge of a section of a Bomb Disposal Platoon working with an Airfield Construction Group. He was responsible for the clearance of delayed action bombs and charges which were found on airfields evacuated by the enemy so that the airfields could be handed over in the shortest time to forward tactical units of the Royal Airforce.
During this period he cleared over one hundred incidents from airfields at ANTWERP, GRIMBERGHEN, and LE CULOT, south of LOUVAIN, on many occasions carrying on with his dangerous task while the airfield was under fire.
That this work was completed successfully and without incident is due in no small measure to Cpl Abraham’s promptness of action, his personal courage – always a source of inspiration to his men – and his high sense of duty.
Recommended and awarded the Belgium Croix de Guerre 1940.
Recommended by O.C. 5 Bomb Disposal Company R.E.
Also G. I. Thomas Lt – Col Comd 1 ??? Dist.
Frederick John Cornwell
2055686 Corporal
Frederick John Cornwell
Belgium Croix de Guerre 1940
14 Bomb Disposal Platoon
19 Bomb Disposal Company
Royal Engineers
The Recommendation is taken from file WO373/111/1182 held at the National Archives.
Placed in the London Gazette on 15 October 1946. Supplement 37761. Page 5142.
On 14 September 44 14 B.D. Pln. , R.E. entered OSTEND to assist in clearing the port of bombs mines and anti-invasion works. The amount of work to be done was considerable and since speed was vital casualties were experienced. Particularly on 11 Oct 44 a lane had to be cleared through mine belts on the racecourse for a signal cable in 24 hours. At the onset the Pln Sergeant and 2 Sappers were badly injured but Cpl Cornwell carried on and by his energy and determination nerved the rest of the party to complete the job on time.
Before the Pln were withdrawn on the 25 Oct 44 there had been further casualties including the Pn Officer and the new Pl Sergeant killed. In all Cpl Cornwell remained steady and unshaken and it was largely his conduct and example that restrengthened the moral of the platoon.
Recommended and awarded the Belgium Croix de Guerre 1940 with Palm.
Recommended by O.C. 19 B.D. Coy. RE.
also by G. H . C. Pennycook BGS “T” Forces.
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