A fine Second World War 1940 'Operation Compass' M.C. group of six awarded to Major K. P....

A fine Second World War 1940 ‘Operation Compass’ M.C. group of six awarded to Major K. P. Harris, 7th Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment, who had been M.I.D. for services on the North West Frontier in 1937, prior to being unsuccessfully recommended for the M.C. for his gallantry in Matilda tanks during the Battle of France in May 1940. He was finally rewarded for his gallantry in the Western Desert later that year - when he led ‘D’ Squadron for the defeat of the Italian armoured ‘Maletti Group’, and subsequent attacks on the Tummar camps during the opening phases of Operation Compass, 9 December 1940. Despite his tank taking a direct hit during the battle, and being ‘blinded’ by blood, Harris destroyed the anti-tank gun that had hit him and led his Squadron on to victory Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated ‘1941’; India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (Lieut. K. P. Harris. R. Tank. C.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, very fine (5) £1,800-£2,200 --- M.C. London Gazette 24 April 1941: ‘Commanding ‘D’ Squadron. This officer led his squadron in the attack on Tummar West on the 9th [December 1940]. His tank was penetrated by a shell of high calibre which burst in the tool locker and set it on fire. Major Harris received facial injuries, which, though superficial, blinded him with blood. He destroyed the gun which had hit him, and continued to lead his squadron. Practically every fitting outside of his tank was blown off by enemy fire and the turret jammed. He rallied his squadron and was ordered to reorganize stragglers coming in to the rallying point throughout the night and the following day. He displayed calm and coolness throughout the action and until evacuated on the morning of 11th Dec. His gallantry and devotion to duty are well worthy of recognition. Major Harris was recommended on 15.6.40 for an award of the Military Cross for gallantry during the Battle of France. It is not known if this award had been made. If so the current recommendation is for a bar to M.C.’ M.I.D. London Gazette 18 February 1938 and 20 December 1940, the latter being when he was originally recommended for the M.C. The original recommendation states: ‘For courage and resource on several occasions between 23rd and 27th May, 1940, particularly at Souchez on 23rd May, 1940, when fighting his tank and engaging enemy A/T artillery at close range - and on the 26th May, 1940, in the Bois de Flines when he displayed great personal courage and coolness in moving his company of tanks out of a position of assembly which was being subjected to particularly heavy bombing from the air. By his cool action on this occasion, he undoubtedly saved many casualties.’ Kenneth Passmore Harris was born in Purley, Surrey in June 1907. He was commissioned in the Royal Tank Corps and served on the North West Frontier prior to serving with the 7th Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment during the Second World War. Harris served with the Regiment as part of the 1st Army Tank Brigade, and distinguished himself in Matildas during the Battle of France in May 1940. The Regiment then fought alongside 4th R.T.R. and the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division at Dunkirk, before forced to evacuate and abandoning most of their vehicles in the process. After a short stay in the UK, Harris returned to overseas service with the Regiment in Egypt in December 1940. Harris advanced to Acting Major, and commanded ‘D’ Squadron, 7th R.T.R. as part of the Western Desert Force. Still equipped with Matilda tanks, the 7th R.T.R. supported the 11th Indian Infantry Brigade of the 4th Indian Infantry Division during Operation Compass. Notably during the attack on Nibeiwa Camp, 9 December 1940, when they attacked and destroyed the Italian armoured ‘Maletti Group’ - destroying about 20 tanks alone during the initial phase of the attack. The 7th R.T.R., after it refuelled, also supported the infantry attack on the Italian positions at the Tummar camps later in the day, as well as taking part in the attacks on Bardia later in the campaign.