Superb M.B.E. (Suez 1957), WW2 Military Cross (Immediate Italy Operations Award), GSM (Clasp – Near East) and Army Emergency Reserve Decoration Medal Group of Nine – Lt. Col. H. Kline, Royal Engineers

An excellent 1857 Suez MBE and second world war Italy Operations MC medal group of nine to Lieutenant Colonel Harry Kline, Royal Engineers. 

Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) (Military) unnamed as issued 
Military Cross unnamed as issued 
1939-45 Star unnamed as issued 
Africa Star unnamed as issued 
Italy Star unnamed as issued 
WW2 Defence Medal unnamed as issued 
1939-45 War Medal unnamed as issued 
EIIR General Service Medal (Clasp – Near East) named to Major H. Kline. M.B.E. M.C. R.E. 
EIIR Army Emergency Reserve Decoration (Dated 1959) unnamed as issued 

Citation for the M.C.:
London Gazette 18 October 1945
 ‘On 10 April 45 at map ref 462547, Lt Kline was ordered to build a Bailey bridge for use by Fantails on the following morning, and was also informed that it was vital for a surprise attack by Infantry. Lt Kline recced the site and found a very large block of reinforced concrete, still attached to the blown and submerged bridge immediately in front of the bank-seat on the opposite abutment. Divesting himself of his jacket he swam across with a NCO and fixed the charges and then blew the demolition which proved entirely successful. During the whole of this time verey lights were put up by the enemy who were in close proximity. The bridge was finally erected as dawn broke, when it came under heavy and accurate fire from enemy 150mm guns. Two shells hit the ramp of the bridge and destroyed it, but quite heedless of the danger, Lt Kline with a small party, repaired the ramp – being forced to take cover several times from Spandau fire from a house 800 yds away. Fantails and tanks crossed this bridge and the subsequent operation was an entire success.

During the whole of this period, Lt Kline was an inspiration and a driving power behind his platoon. He is a perfect example of the British spirit to win through regardless of the odds and has the undying devotion of every man in his platoon.’

Harry Kline was born on 22 April 1918. He served as a Lieutenant with 220 Field Company, Royal Engineers in North Africa and Italy, and was awarded an immediate Military Cross for his gallantry and quick-thinking during the crossing of the River Po in April 1945. Ordered to build a Bailey bridge for the Allied crossing, he and an NCO laid charges and destroyed a reinforced concrete obstruction while under relentless fire from Spandau machine gun nests. His glowing M.C. recommendation by Lieutenant-General Keightley, commander of V Corps, was signed by Field Marshal Alexander of Tunis.

Kline served as a Major during the 1956 Suez Crisis, commanding 323 Electrical & Mechanical Squadron at Port Said. Despite the obstacles against him (lack of water, no electricity and poor drainage), he set about transforming the harbour’s infrastructure to speed up the disembarkation of men and supplies. Through his ‘skill, man management, energy and good humour’, he moulded his entirely-Reservist unit into a ‘remarkable’ team. He sourced local Egyptian labour to see his projects to completion. His vital part in the Suez campaign was recognised with an M.B.E. in the 1957 Birthday Honours. On 29 July that year he became a Lieutenant-Colonel. 

The medals are in good condition and are swing mounted for wear.

Comes with boxes of issue for the MBE, MC and AER Decoration, an original photograph of Kline in uniform with his WW2 medal ribbon bar, an order of service for his funeral in 2010 and a copy of his citation.

Regiment: Royal Engineers

Era: WW2 and Later