Corps of Military Police

Soldier Details:

Surname: Springham

Initials: F.H.

Rank: Sergeant

Army No.: 5989073

Notes: CMP. Enlisted in the Beds & Herts Regiment, transferred to CMP.. From Darlington. War Diary 56 Div Pro Coy, WO 169/8825. 20/10/43 5989073 Sgt Springham F H and 2654715 L/Cpl London J C injured by shellfire and admitted to hospital. 21/10/43 Sergeant Springham died in hospital owing to injuries. Casualty List 1287, Italy, Died of Wounds, 21/10/1943. Inscription on gravestone: They that love shall part. 18/11/43 Sgt Springham awarded MM immediate award. Unit War Diary WO 169/8825. Unit War Diary: 175 Company Ports CMP WO 166/16271. Honours and Awards: The following information has been received from the Provost Marshall, Allied Forces Headquarters:- "The following immediate award to a member of the Corps was made by General Sir Harold Alexander, GCB, CSI, DSO, MC on 12/12/43:- Military Medal 5989073 W/Sgt F H Springham, (died of wounds received in action). Frank Harold Springham.

Decorations/Medals/Awards (2)

1. Decoration: Military Medal

Gazette Date: 1944-01-27

Gazette Issue: 36349

Gazette Page: 519

Citation: Military Medal Citation. Italy At NOLA on 4 October 1943 Sergeant Springham was ordered to proceed forward in a jeep to mark the axis of advance through MARILIANO and MARIGLIANELLA, to the canal crossing to the north. Soon after setting out his party came under heavy fire and all road junctions were more or less continuously shelled by heavy guns for a considerable time. Undaunted and undeterred by this Sergeant Springham continued to mark the route, though several times his jeep was hit by splinters and he and his party were forced to take cover temporarily. Sergeant Springham was determined to carry on and succeed in his task and by his exceptional devotion to duty and courage this route was completely and successfully marked with the result that a whole Brigade Group was able next day to pass along it without a hitch. In view of the different formations and large variety of units using the roads of which there were many running in all directions in this particular area, it was absolutely essential that this route be marked to prevent confusion in the advance and except for Sergeant Springham's devotion and excellent work, would not have been achieved. Injured by shellfire 20 Oct 1943 DOW in hospital.21 Oct 1943. Buried Naples war cemetery. warded an immediate MM. Recommended by APM 56 Div. National Archive WO 373/4

2. Decoration: Mention in Despatches

Gazette Date: 1944-04-06

Gazette Issue: 36456

Gazette Page: 1597

Citation: Italy. (died of wounds).

Casualty Details:

Date Killed:	21st October 1943
Company:	56 DIV PRO COY
Cemetery:	NAPLES WAR CEMETERY ITALY
CWGC Search:

Corps of Military Police

Soldier Details:

Decorations/Medals/Awards (2)

Casualty Details:

Grave Photograph

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Surname:	Springham
Initials:	F.H.
Rank:	Sergeant
Army No.:	5989073
Notes:	CMP. Enlisted in the Beds & Herts Regiment, transferred to CMP.. From Darlington. War Diary 56 Div Pro Coy, WO 169/8825. 20/10/43 5989073 Sgt Springham F H and 2654715 L/Cpl London J C injured by shellfire and admitted to hospital. 21/10/43 Sergeant Springham died in hospital owing to injuries. Casualty List 1287, Italy, Died of Wounds, 21/10/1943. Inscription on gravestone: They that love shall part. 18/11/43 Sgt Springham awarded MM immediate award. Unit War Diary WO 169/8825. Unit War Diary: 175 Company Ports CMP WO 166/16271. Honours and Awards: The following information has been received from the Provost Marshall, Allied Forces Headquarters:- "The following immediate award to a member of the Corps was made by General Sir Harold Alexander, GCB, CSI, DSO, MC on 12/12/43:- Military Medal 5989073 W/Sgt F H Springham, (died of wounds received in action). Frank Harold Springham.