A fine Second War 'Italian theatre' M.B.E. group of seven awarded to Major L. C. Downing,...

A fine Second War ‘Italian theatre’ M.B.E. group of seven awarded to Major L. C. Downing, Royal Artillery The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial (Capt. L. C. Downing (M.B.E.) R.A.) good very fine (7) £200-£240 --- M.B.E. London Gazette 24 August 1944. The original recommendation states: ‘Italy. 5th Sept. 1943 to 31st Dec. 1943. This officer has rendered invaluable service continually over a period of many years, more especially during the period under review. During the Trigno, Sangro and Ortona Battles, the Regiment were deployed in an AA and Medium Role in the Forward areas. The Battery under his command was at all times most ably and efficiently led, inflicting considerable casualties upon the enemy both in the air and on the ground. His application of field gunnery was most noteworthy. During the period under review he worked incessantly both by night and by day, without personal thought, under trying and most difficult conditions, in face of great danger, between his troops, thereby encouraging them to still greater success. At all times this officer carries out his duties in a most soldierly like manner and sets a magnificent example to all Ranks under his command.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 13 January 1944. Leonard Charles Downing was born in Islington in 1909 and attested for the Royal Artillery as Gunner on 9 April 1940. Appointed to a commission soon thereafter, he was Mentioned in Despatches and was awarded the M.B.E. for service with the 51st (London) H.A.A. Regiment, Royal Artillery. Assigned to 6th Army Group (Royal Artillery), the 51st were heavy involved in airfield and railhead defence duties, followed by intense periods of assault in support of 1st Canadian Division; encouraged by Brigadier Murray MacIntyre, the Gunners were increasingly called upon to use their versatile 3.7-inch H.A.A. guns for ground support tasks, even wire cutting. This unconventional deployment proved so successful that during the winter of 1943-44, over two thirds of available H.A.A. guns were deployed in forward areas to harass the enemy. Employing HF (Harassing Fire), CB (Counter Battery) and CM (Counter Mortar) shoots, the 51st H.A.A. Regiment also developed a technique known as ‘Honey Combing’; the use of this method which involved the firing of accurate air bursts over enemy A.A. positions later proved highly valuable during the assault on the Gothic Line.