An Original WWII British Army 37 Pattern Webbing Belonging to Lieutenant-Colonel Alex Simson This rare piece of military history belonged to Lieutenant-Colonel Alex Simson at the time was Captain J.A Simson. This war hero died at the grand old age of 86 This is his obituary: – who has died aged 86, was awarded the Military Cross in 1943 while leading mine-clearing parties in the last phase of the battle for Tunis (5-7 May 1943) this was an engagement between allied and Axis armies during the Tunisian campaign In April 1943, the Allies launched a series of concentric attacks on the Axis fortifications around the city. The regiments of 2 Armoured Brigade, part of 1 British Armoured Division, were attempting to advance north of the Kournine feature, a rocky peak that dominated the surrounding terrain, when they came under heavy shelling and machine-gun fire. Mines, laid on the tracks and scattered among the crops, further slowed them up. Simson, then a lieutenant in command of a troop of the 1st Field Squadron RE, went in front of the leading tanks in a Daimler scout car. He came under closely observed artillery fire and his vehicle was repeatedly hit by shrapnel; but he continued his reconnaissance and then reported on the full extent of the German mine layout. At dawn the next day, Simson took working parties forward through the mines under continuous shelling. Showing complete indifference to danger, he made lanes through the mine belts and cordoned off the areas where there were scattered mines. His example was an inspiration to his men who persevered in clearing the mines despite taking numerous casualties. Simson continued his operation in the minefield until he was severely wounded in the arm and leg later in the morning. He was awarded an immediate MC #ajmilitaryltd #ww2memorial #war #historylovers #history #historyinthemaking #militarycross #medals #hero #britisharmy🇬🇧 #webbing #uniforms #worldwar2 https://www.instagram.com/p/CCn1gFHBSXF/?igshid=131fk9zfios3m