Military Cross GVIR reverse engraved 1945; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; Territorial Efficiency Decoration GVIR reverse dated 1950 - unnamed as awarded
John Leng Canty was born in Greenwich, Greater London on 20 October 1919. He received his education at Dulwich College and joined the Territorial Army in 1938. Having been commissioned into the 9th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, he was posted to the IRF in Iraq in September 1942. From there he was sent with his battalion to Italy in 1943 and was in on the battles of Cassino River and Caldari - as Adjutant to the Battalion.
Canty was promoted to Captain just before the Cassino battle and placed in command of C Company. It was in this capacity that he was awarded an immediate Military Cross for bravery, the citation for the award reading: -
"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 intermediate objective, after still opposition, it became known that there was approx a company of Germans in the thick woods of 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 Cmdr, 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 three days 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."
Canty's next move was to a Staff Appointment in Greece. He was released on 4 August 1946. His WWII medals were posted to him at 24 Dulwich Village, London on 8 December 1948 and he was awarded the Territorial Efficiency Decoration in the London Gazette of 21 April 1950.
He died in 1991.
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold with some research, several photos of the recipient, a copy of The Fusilier June 1992 edition, dog tags and War Office letters iro the MC and the Territorial Decoration.
