Brigadier Mark ‘Honker’ Henniker is a key figure in the establishment of British Airborne Forces and the epitome of individual intelligence, bravery and ingenuity that defines the Sappers of World War Two.

Enlisting in the Corps of Royal Engineers before the Second World War, his initial service saw him receive a Military Cross for actions on the North West Frontier of India.

At Dunkirk in 1940, Henniker held a section of the final perimeter against the Nazi advance. He and the remainder of his company escaped the beaches, rowing most of the way back to Britain before boarding and repairing an abandoned Royal Navy pinnace.

In 1941 he was selected to be the first Chief Royal Engineer of 1st Airborne Division, one of the inaugural members of the Divisional staff. Intrinsically suited to this new and innovative form of warfare, he was integral to the planning of the successful Bruneval Raid on the coast of France in 1941 and the failed attempt to destroy the German Heavy Water plant in Operation Freshman, Norway 1942.

During the invasion of Sicily, Henniker landed in a glider with the HQ 1st Airlanding Brigade and, despite having a broken arm and being wounded by shrapnel, ensured that the Ponte Grande bridge remained transitable before assisting in the relief of 1st Parachute Brigade. He then took part in the seaborne landings at Taranto and was awarded an OBE for establishing a base port there.

As CRE of 43rd Wessex Division, Henniker is most famous for the part he played in the aftermath of Operation Market Garden, the daring but ill-fated attempt to capture bridges over the Rhine and aid Allied invasion of Germany. Henniker oversaw the evacuation of survivors in assault boats, rescuing over 2000 from inevitable death or capture.

Continuing his service after the War, Henniker commanded 63rd Gurkha Infantry Brigade during the Malayan Emergency.

The medals go on sale at auction house Noonans on the 14th February 2024. Royal Engineers charities have already pledged £45,000 for the purchase. We now have just over a week to raise the remaining £55,000.

If you would like to support the Museum in its bid to secure this fantastic medal group for public display then please donate.

If we are unsuccessful at auction we will refund all donations. Please see our website and Just Giving campaign page for updates.