Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Military) M.B.E.; Military Medal GVIR (3448799 C. QM. SJT. W. MC CABE. LAN.FUS.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45 - unnamed as awarded.
M.B.E. London Gazette 15 November 1945: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.’
The original Recommendation states: ‘From 15 November 1944 to 15 February 1945, Warrant Officer Class II Wilfred McCabe has been employed as Quartermaster to the 1/8th Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers. During the latter part of this period the Battalion has been continuously engaged in operations against the enemy in Burma which have involved an advance of upwards of 300 miles during which the Battalion has fought one major action and numerous minor ones.
As Quartermaster, RQMS McCabe has been responsible for the maintenance of the Battalion throughout. Although the Battalion was moving practically every day for a month, and more often than not, widely flanking the axis of the main road, the Battalion never went short of equipment, ammunition or rations.
RQMS McCabe personally organised A/T and Jeep convoys which he himself brought up to the forward troops in the Battalion along the most arduous cross country routes. On occasions when the Battalion moved at exceptionally short notice RQMS McCabe on his own initiative appreciated the situation and always without fail produced the requirements of the Battalion at the right place and at the right time.
RQMS McCabe was appointed RQMS in May 1943 and has been acting Quartermaster since June 1944 and showed outstanding devotion to duty during the battles around Kohima. His conduct as RQMS and as acting Quartermaster has been exemplary and his outstanding zeal and devotion to duty has at all times been reflected through the high standard of maintenance organisation within the Battalion.’
M.M. London Gazette 11 October 1945: ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field.’
The original Recommendation states: ‘On 15 May 1940 when his company were holding the front line at Basse Wavre on the River Dyle Company Quartermaster Sergeant Wilfred McCabe personally distributed a hot meal to every man in his company. In order to do this he had to cross between the forward posts over very exposed ground which was under he heavy machine gun fire and mortar fire. His coolness, cheerfulness and courage in getting hot food to forward posts under very difficult conditions undoubtedly helped to maintain the morale of the men at a high standard. His conduct and example under fire was most praiseworthy and a valuable example to all ranks of his company.’
Sold with copied extracts for the Battalion War Diary for Kohima 1944.
The medals are in good condition unless otherwise indicated.
