227273 Lieutenant Charles Hilary Allen Boyse MC, Royal Engineers

Lieutenant Charles Hilary Allen Boyse MC, 246 Field Company, 3rd British Infantry Division, 30 Corps, Royal Engineers.

Awarded Military Cross.

Lt. Boyse commanded the Pl responsible for the construction of the eastern end of the bridge thrown across the Dortmund-Ems Canal North of Lingen on 5 Apr. 45.

At 1500 hrs all br vehs had been offloaded and construction was about to commence when extremely accurate and heavy shellfire came down on the bridge site. It was of the utmost importance that the bridge should be completed by 2100 hrs.

Lt Boyse knowing the importance of his task repeatedly led his men forward onto the canal bank which was quite devoid of cover to continue work during the lulls in the shellfire.

Due to the exceptional leadership and gallantry displayed by this officer the bridge was completed on time.

Difficulties were then encountered on a ramp to the bridge, and Lt Boyse despite very accurate shellfire which at this time was heavier than at any previous time took his men forward and repaired the ramp. Shelling continued throughout the night and the next morning but this officer remained on the bridge maintaining it and carrying out repair work.

Shortly after midday a shell struck a light floating bridge adjoining the pontoon bridge on which Lt Boyse was working and an air burst holed several pontoons incorporated in the pontoon bridge. Despite the accurate shellfire which continued and the complete absence of cover Lt Boyse carried out all repair work in the shortest possible timewith great coolness.

Lt Boyse throughout the 5 and 6 Apr. displayed the greatest gallantry and by his coolness and contempt for enemy fire so inspired his men that all work was carried out in an exemplary manner under the most hazardous conditions.


Dated 12.7.45

 

My company produced many heroic deeds. The last time I saw Lt Boyse, was at a memorial service for Colonel Ferguson RE... at Studland Church. He was then a white haired old Gentleman, and not very well.

I have spoken to Lt Arthur Heal C de G over the phone, and am still in Contact with Major Digger Trench who is still going strong. He keeps me up to date with who are left of that once Gallant band.
Sapper

 

LT Boyse MC. came to us to take over my (2) platoon in the Autumn of 1944. He arrived with the reputation of being one of the finest officers in the RE. He it was, that took me aside at the German SS training camp for Dutch youth, (North of Venraij) a collection of badly shelled wooden buildings. He informed that I had been awarded the C in Cs commendation. Known at that time as "Monty's Certificates" can you imagine the pride I felt in being awarded that recognition. Specially as Monty would present the award himself in the field. Shortly after I was wounded severely and flown back to the UK At the age of 88 I am still waiting....