7043983 Serjeant Albert Leonard HUGHES, MM, 2nd Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

“On the night of 20/21 April 1945, A Coy was advancing with the object of crossing the canal FOSSA SAN NICOLO RIVALDA. Whilst approaching the canal, A Coy was heavily mortared, 7 platoon losing its commander, platoon Sgt and two section commanders. The calm demeanour and disregard for personal safety on the part of Sgt Hughes, who was commanding 9 Platoon, was greatly responsible for the steadying and reorganisation of 7 Platoon and enabled them to carry on with the advance. But for the very quick action on the part of Sgt Hughes, this platoon which had lost all its leaders might have suffered more casualties and become non effective as a fighting unit.

Sgt Hughes organised the crossing of the canal for both platoons under command. Sgt Hughes’s leadership and appreciation of the situation enabled his Company to continue its advance unchecked, until its final objectives had been reached.”