GVI Military Medal to L/Cpl Wharton 2nd DLI / Battle of Kohima

Correctly impressed to 4458608 L. Cpl. E. Wharton. Durh. L. I

Condition NVF ( edge bruising and contacting) 

 

With two original photographs of the recipent. 

 

 

Edward Wharton was a native of Gateshead, near Newcastle upon Tyne. During the Second World War, he served with the Durham Light Infantry.

 

During the Battle of Kohima on 27th / 28th April 1944, while serving with the 2nd Bn as a Lance Corporal, performed the following deeds;

 

' At Garrison Hill Kohima, on the night 27/28 April 1944, L/Cpl Wharton was section Commander in GR PLN 2/DLI. The BN Peremiter was heavily attacked during the night, and some forward positions were overran. The GR PLN counter-attacked, and L/Cpl Wharton Leading his Section with great dash and determination, drove the Japanese from his sector off the objective, personally putting out of action a Jap LMG as soon as it opened up. He then Consolidated and hung on under heavy and prolonged M.G. fire until relived later in the day. His outstanding courage, determination and leadership was largely responsible for the success of the action'.  

 

 

He was recommended for an immediate award, and it was gazetted on the 31st of August 1944.