The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Wardle, John Rank: Corporal Service No: 2617369 Regiment: 3 Battalion Grenadier Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Military Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 07 December 1944 Date 1944 Catalogue reference WO 373/8 1st Guards Brigade, 6th British Armoured Division, 13 Corps 2617369 War Substantive Corporal, Acting Lance-Sergeant John WARDLE, 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS In the L'ORO area (R. 0847) on the night 28th July 29th July 1944, Lance-Sergeant WARDLE was leading a section in an ambush patrol from No. 3 Company, 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS. A party of over 30 Germans fell into the ambush, and the Section led by this N.C.O. was able to inflict heavy casualties on them. A further 20 enemy followed up the leading party, and managed to work round the flank of the ambush, and started machine gunning the rear. Lance-Sergeant WARDLE at once charged them with his Section and succeeded in disposing of the threat. Just before the ambush patrol was ordered to withdraw, Lance-sergeant WARDLE heard a group of Germans moving up behind his position. Without hesitating for a moment, he rushed in single-handed, and emptied his Tommy-gun magazine into the enemy. The fact that the patrol managed to inflict casualties amounting to eleven killed and twenty wounded for the loss of two was largely due to Lance-Sergeant WARDLE's high degree of skill, courage, and complete disregard for his own safety. Since November, 1942, in TUNISIA, this N.C.O. has been in command of a Section, and never failed, not only to do his duty, but to show an example in action against the enemy which has been a continual inspiration to all around him. Signed E.J.B. NELSON, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS Recommended for Immediate D.C.M. Granted an Immediate M.M.
