Trooper Phillip Raymond Jefford MM, 9th Armoured Brigade, Gp Division, V Corps, 4th Queen's Own Hussars. Awarded Military Medal Recommended by Lt. Col. I H Riches RM Cmd 43 (RM) Cdo. OP ROAST 2/4 Apr 45 incl. Ref maps Italy 1: 25,000 sheets: 77 II SW 89 I NW 89 I SW Ref maps Italy 1: 50,000 sheets: 77 II 89 I During the preliminary advance up the Tongue, Trooper Jefford was the machine gunner of the leading Kangaroo. Two Troopers on foot had been pinned down by MG and Mortar fire and the success of the advance depended largely on the extent to which the enemy would become demoralised when confronted with the Kangaroos. Trooper Jefford stood up behind his gun, his whole body exposed, and fired almost continuously the whole time. The weight of the fire which he brought down contributed materially to the success of the final infantry assault. Later fire was opened on his Kangaroo by a Spandau from about 150 yards. Trooper Jefford, still exposed, engaged it with his Browning and silenced it. Throughout, he showed great courage and disregard for his own personal safety. LG 5.7.45 Granted Immediate MM by Field Marshall Alexander.
Andy You Sir, are truly a man of your word ! (original thread here) http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/veteran-accounts/24901-question-british-commonwealth-veterans-forum.html#post273676 A brilliant result and yet another mystery solved for me ! (no wonder the lads were so cockahoop when they arrived back at the lager!) I looked at the Squadron photo I had posted to see if I could spot his MM but no joy Owen Thanks for adding the 4th QOH Official War Diary link I had a look in my personal diary but, typically, had no entry for that date. I see that the official diaries mention Operation Roast: Regimental Diaries: 1st April 4TP A Sqn carried 43rd Royal Marines Commando in Op Roast and were extremely successful, 43rd Commando being responsible for 420 of the 1000 POW taken by the Commando Brigade. One Kangaroo hit by 50 mm but was recovered. No casualties. 2nd April A Sqn carried London Irish Rifles on 2nd Armd Bde exercise, Armd protection by the Queens Bays 3rd April A Sqn carried 5th Buffs on 2nd Armd Bde exercise, Armd protection by the 9th Lancers 5th April A & B Sqns moved to GODO area 6th April Preparation for Op BUCKLAND 9th April A Squadron HQ moved to area 420385 10th April A & B Sqns crossed the Senio 11th April Thanks again Andy & good luck with your very worthwhile project Ron ps It is worth noting that young Jefford rapidly rose through the ranks and before I left the unit was a full Sergeant.
Owen A favour please ? Seeing your translation of a map co-ordinate above to GOOGLE EARTH format reminded me that I would be most intrigued to see the GOOGLE EARTH data for the Trooper Jefford item below: OP ROAST 2/4 Apr 45 incl. Ref maps Italy 1: 25,000 sheets: 77 II SW 89 I NW 89 I SW Ref maps Italy 1: 50,000 sheets: 77 II 89 I Many thanks Ron
Sorry Ron, without a map refernce I can't do it. I have located the A SHQ on the 9th April. A SHQ moved to area 420385. 44° 25' 07'' N 12° 00' 51'' E 44° 25' 07'' N 12° 00' 51'' E - Google Maps
Bumping this thread because I have been trawling through the Rgtl Diaries that Andy kindly sent me and wanted to add this pic so that I have the complete story in one location. At the risk of embarrassing Andy, I want him to know how much pleasure I have received by his efforts and I commend his activities to all forum members Ron
The other chap awarded immediate MM that day. WO 373/13/42 Name Gordon, James Rank: Trooper Service No: 7940217 Regiment: 4 Queen's Own Hussars Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Military Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 5 July 1945 EDIT: note DCM crossed out .
Owen Many thanks for that extra data. Sitting typing this in the year 2013, some 67 odd years after the actions detailed above, I marvel at the things that some of the lads did and the details of which I am only now really learning. I can still, however, hear the whoops of triumph that young Jefford and his mates made as they re-entered the Squadron lager and I am, for a brief second, young again. Ron
Here are 2 more 4 QOH MM recommendations from later that month. WO 373/13/178 Name Gallop, Kingsley Malcolm Rank: Corporal Service No: 7943515 Regiment: 4 Queen's Own Hussars Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Military Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 19 July 1945 WO 373/13/179 Name Reeves, Eric Rank: Trooper Service No: 7948073 Regiment: 4 Queen's Own Hussars Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Military Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 19 July 1945
Owen Excuse me while I go find my helmet They were lively days, to put it mildly, and we were all younger and ready to have a go without thinking too much about the risks involved in our actions. This not to take away for a moment the bravery of the chaps you have listed or my pride in being one of their compatriots. Feel I must give Busty, my Honey tank commander, also a mention so read all about him here : http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/allied-units-general/24942-7340821-wo-ii-ssm-william-thomas-bronze-star-4th-queens.html Ron
