Military Cross reverse date 1945; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Territorial Officers Decoration reverse date 1950 - unnamed as awarded.
75196 Major John Leng Canty b 1919 Greenwich 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers Immediate MC 1944 Italy when Commanding C Company TD awarded 1950, Lived Dulwich, London Died 1991 Great Yarmouth
John Canty joined the Territorial Army in 1938, after completing his education at Dulwich College and was commissioned in to the 9th Battalion, the Royal Fusiliers. He joined IRF in Iraq in September 1942. The Battalion arrived in Italy in 1943 and had a tough time in the battles of Cassino River and Caldari, Canty was Adjutant of the unit. Whilst preparing for the Cassino battle he was promoted Major taking command of "C" Company which, under his leadership, fought a a very successful battle at Pogarello which is where he earned his Military Cross.
The recommendation for his MC reads as follows:
"In the operations N. of Pontassieve on 29 August 1944, this officer was in command of "C" Company, 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers. On reaching an immediate objective, after strong opposition, it became known that there was approx a company of Germans in the thick woods on the final objective, the fringe of which was about 300 yards away.
At this point tanks linked up for the second phase, and attracted heavy enemy shell and mortar fire. Completely disregarding the fire, Major Canty kept personal contact with the Tank Comdr., and organised tank shoots onto the objective. During this time he was an inspiration to his Company, encouraging his men, and organising the final assault, which was successful, and through which a feature vital to the Battalion objective was achieved.
That night an enemy counter-attack was launched on his position. Major Canty directed the defence with great coolness, and his calm and resolute handling of the situation led to the attack being repulsed with losses to the enemy. Over a period of 3 days the the company was periodically heavily shelled, and the effect of the fire was increased by the thickly wooded nature of the position causing many air bursts. During all this time Major Canty showed a complete disregard for his personal safety, and by his great example, held his company together at a difficult time."
He then left for a staff appointment in Greece. He was awarded the Territorial Efficiency Decoration on 21 April 1950
He passed away on 27 September 1991 at the age of 71.
Sold with several original photos, dog tags, medal award slip and Volume 7 No1 of The Fusilier wherein Canty's obituary appears.
