War hero's widow to present his medals to military museum

THE widow of a war hero who showed outstanding bravery during the invasion of France is to present his medals to a museum next week.

Dorothy Warcup, 90, will hand her late husband Jim’s medals to the Airborne Assault museum at a ceremony at the Defence School of Transport, Leconfield.

Mr Warcup won an array of medals in the Second World War, including the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the highest accolade for a non-commissioned soldier, making him among the most decorated members of the armed forces in the area. After the war he returned to his job as a butcher and died in 1998, aged 83.

Major (Retd) Tony Sugdon, who knows Mrs Warcup, said: “It was Mrs Warcup’s husband’s wish that his medals be donated to the museum at the Imperial War Museum Duxford.”

Company Sgt Major Warcup parachuted into France with his battalion and was among the airborne troops to launch an attack on the village of Breville. His company suffered severe casualties and all the officers were killed but he led the remnants into the village, securing their objective.

Later the leading platoon of his company was pinned down by machine gun fire in a cemetery.

CSM Warcup’s citation reads: “Without hesitation acting CSM Warcup went forward and led an attack by the leading section on this gun.

“When about five yards away from the machine gun he was dangerously wounded in the neck by a bullet. Despite the loss of blood he went on until the machine gun post was destroyed. It was only later that he could be persuaded to go back and be attended to.

“Throughout the period June 6, 1944 to August 19, 1944 CSM Warcup showed complete contempt for enemy fire and complete contempt for his own personal safety on numerous occasions.”

Mr Warcup, who returned to Bridlington after the war, eventually setting up a business in Garton on the Wolds in 1957, was also awarded the Croix de Guerre – but insisted on it being given to a young comrade who had fought alongside him.

The Commanding Officer of 4 Parachute Battalion (Volunteers), Lieutenant Colonel Alistair Rogers, will receive the medals on the museum’s behalf.