| Surname: | Finney |
| Initials: | H |
| Rank: | Lieutenant |
| Army Number: | 329497 |
| Notes: | CMP. SIB. Formerly Scots Guards. General List From Sandiacre. 66 Section SIB. Italy. Number shown as 329437 in National Archive WO 373/73 correct number is 329497. London Gazette 36743, page 4678, 13/10/44. General List. The undermentioned cadets to be given an immediate emergency commission from the ranks in the rank of 2/Lt's 2693377 A/CSM Harold Finney (329497). 19/8/44 posted to 69 Section SIB Naples. 1/11/45 96 Section, SIB, Athens. Harold Finney. Extract from the Ashbourne Telegraph 9/11/1945. STANTON OFFICER PROMOTED. his many friends in Stanton and district will join in congratulations to Captain H Finney, MBE, of the Special Investigation Branch, Corps of Military Police, C M Forces on his promotion. He was recently awarded the MBE, and has now been promoted to the rank of Captain to take effect from October 26th Captain Finney wrote from Naples, Italy but was due to leave there to proceed to Greece where he will take over the charge of the Special Investigation Branch there. His mother, Mrs Finney, resides at Rhodes Farm, Stanton, Nr Ashborne. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Member of the British Empire (London Gazette: 37274 Page: 4671 Sept. 20, 1945) |
| Citation: | Italy. General List CMP. From Sandiacre. 66 Section SIB. MBE Citation: During the period Oct 44 to Feb 45 armed highway and other violent robberies affecting Allied interests and attributable to gangs of deserters and civilian desperadoes were rife in Southern Italy. These gangs, highly organised along professional lines, terrorised the civilian population in many areas. They were well armed, equipped with a variety of stolen transport and in addition had the advantage of a good local intelligence system. Lt. FINNEY with the squad under his command were instrumental in breaking up and arresting these gangs finally resulting in the virtual disappearance for this type of crime. This success entailed unremitting hard work, detailed investigation and the exercise of initiative and considerable daring. He performed very dangerous duties in arresting many criminals whose usual mode of resistance was small arms fire at close quarters. Lt FINNEY'S leadership on the occasions when these armed men were brought to justice during this period showed outstanding gallantry and conspicuous devotion to duty. Lt Col H V McNally DPM 3 District. Maj Gen Commander 3 District. |