MAJOR G.H.F.M. UNDERWOOD, 40TH (7TH BATTALION THE KING'S REGIMENT, LIVERPOOL) ROYAL TANK REGIMENT, ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS. Seven: Military Cross, George VI (reverse officially dated 1942), 1939-45, Africa Star with 8th Army clasp, Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, United Nations Korea Medal. Mounted loose style, as worn, generally Good Very Fine to Almost Extremely Fine.
Group accompanied by various original photographs and items of ephemera, including a page from Underwood's old school magazine containing a short story by Underwood titled "The Shipwreck", this identified as being by "G.H.F.M.U. (Form V)", an unused Westminster Bank personal cheque, named for use by "G.H.F. Underwood", group photograph of Underwood in an army jeep with two other officers, taken in North Africa circa 1942, the jeep with regimental badge of The King's Regiment (Liverpool) painted on right hand side, reverse inscribed "Just returned from a very offensive patrol, reporting to Intelligence. From left to right, Roy, myself, Capt. Noel Pinnington" (Captain Pinnington was later killed in action in North Africa on 27th January 1943), a large group photograph of Field Marshal Montgomery of Alamein and 36 various regimental and staff officers, seated and standing, taken in north west Europe, circa 1945, Underwood seated third from left in front row, this autographed "Montgomery of Alamein F.M.", a post Second World War passport type photograph of Major Underwood in uniform wearing his ribbon bar (this photograph with two hand stamps, one reading in part ". . . . ral Police", along with a similar photograph of Underwood in civilian clothing.
George Henry Francis Underwood, born 21st January 1921, served initially in the ranks for 121 days. First commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, The King's Regiment (Liverpool), 31st December 1939, he was promoted Lieutenant, 1st July 1941 (acting Captain 15th November 1943 to 1st January 1944 and 5th February 1944 to 19th March 1944), temporary Captain, 20th March 1944, Major, 31st December 1952, and retired 16th May 1958.
Group also accompanied by photocopy of Underwood's Military Cross citation, an immediate award, which was announced in the London Gazette of 14th January 1943 and was for the battle of El Alamein (23rd October - 5th November 1942): "2/Lieut. Underwood in command of his troop of tanks was attached to the Seaforth Highlanders on 30th October and rendered great assistance to that regiment in holding their advanced positions against determined attacks. When asked to co-operate in an attempt to clear up an enemy post which was causing casualties to the Infantry he led his troop forward through very difficult conditions and when his accompanying infantry was driven back by concentrated shelling he covered their withdrawal by a rapid advance onto the objective which caused its evacuation by the enemy. He then returned, picking up the infantry wounded on his way, and got back with his tank on fire as a result of hits and extinguished the fire. Throughout he displayed initiative and courage of a high order and rendered great service to the Infantry. I recommend he be awarded the Immediate Military Cross.". Underwood was recommended for the award of a Military Cross by Major G.R.A. MacLaren, Royal Armoured Corps, the recommendation for an immediate award being countersigned by Lieutenant-General Oliver Leese, Commanding 30th Corps, General Bernard Montgomery, Commanding 8th Army and General H.R. Alexander, Commander-in-Chief, Middle East Forces. In the post war years Major Underwood resided at Carysfort, Arkendale Road, Glenageary, Co. Dublin, Irish Republic.
Group also accompanied by Commonwealth War Graves details for Captain Noel Pinnington.
