Second World War Medal Group – Trooper James Grady, 10th Royal Hussars
1939-45 Star – unnamed as issued
Africa Star with 1st Army Clasp – unnamed as issued
Italy Star – unnamed as issued
Defence Medal – unnamed as issued
War Medal – unnamed as issued
With box of issue addressed: 53 Ramsden Street, Huddersfield.
James Grady was born on 30 March 1922 in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, the son of Daniel Grady and Norah Grady (née Brennan). In 1939 he was living at 53 Ramsden Street, Huddersfield, and was employed as an apprentice bricklayer.
He later enlisted into the British Army, serving as Trooper 14205890 in the 10th Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales’s Own). His service fell within Service Group 43, consistent with enlistment during the later war years. He served overseas in both the North African and Italian theatres, qualifying for the 1939–45 Star, Africa Star (with 1st Army clasp), Italy Star, Defence Medal, and War Medal.
The 10th Royal Hussars deployed to North Africa in late 1941 as part of the armoured forces engaged against Axis troops. The regiment saw heavy fighting during the desert campaign, including operations around Gazala and the decisive Second Battle of El Alamein in October–November 1942, where British armoured units helped break the German and Italian defensive lines. Following El Alamein, the regiment continued operations in Tunisia with the 1st Army, actions which are reflected in Grady’s entitlement to the Africa Star with 1st Army clasp.
After the North African campaign, the regiment remained out of action for a period before redeploying to Italy in May 1944, where it fought continuously until the end of the war. During the Italian campaign, the 10th Royal Hussars operated both as an armoured regiment and, at times, as dismounted troops due to difficult terrain and conditions. In early 1945, the regiment temporarily left its tanks and served as infantry in waterlogged front-line positions, conducting patrols and holding defensive ground through the winter.
In the final Allied offensive in Italy in April 1945, the regiment took part in the advance through the Argenta Gap and towards the River Po, overcoming strong German resistance and difficult terrain of rivers, canals, and flooded ground. These operations contributed to the collapse of German forces in northern Italy and the eventual surrender in May 1945.
Grady was discharged on 26 January 1946 (Class B Release), and his campaign medals were issued on 12 May 1949, to his home address at 53 Ramsden Street, Huddersfield.
He remained in Huddersfield after the war, later marrying in 1988, and died there in March 2000, aged 78.
PLEASE NOTE: All research will be sent to the buyer via email. I am unable to provide printed copies, as I do not have access to a printer.
AJMS Medals