Private Moss William Levy MM, 2nd Bn. The Hampshire Regiment, 128 Infantry Brigade, 46th Division. Awarded Periodical Military Medal. For general devotion to duty and bravery. With the exception of one period in hospital, necessitated by his being wounded, this soldier has served and fought continuously with the Bn since the landing in N. Africa, as a member of a rifle section he has always been in the forefront in all Company attacks. His fighting qualities, his determination and outstanding bravery, are well known to his comrades and have been an inspiration to all who served with him. He fought particulary well in the crossing of the River Foglia (R950724) on 30 Aug 44, an action which breached the Gothic Line. He was with his Pl Comd. who was shot and killed going forward to take prisoners. Pte Levy immediately and single handed wiped out these enemy who were operating under the guise of having surrendered. During this battle he was wounded. On 23 Sep 44 he rejoined his Company. During the advance to an objective on the Lamone River he and two comrades were seperated from the Company. He led the two soldiers towards the sound of fire, which could be heard, in the hope of rejoining the Company. He found, however, that a troop of British tanks were being held up by Bazooka fire from a row of houses. At the request of of the Tp Comd he led his two comrades forward to clear these houses, but was forced to withdraw by heavy Spandau fire. With great determination he attacked again and reached the houses with his small section of two men. Under his orders these houses were methodically cleared and the enemy put to flight, so enabling the tanks to move forward and give support to the Coy. Such an example of bravery and leadership is typical of this man, who at all times has been an inspiration to those who have served with him. I recommend him for the Periodical Military Medal. Recommended by Lt. Col. T. A. Rotherham DSO, MC Commanding 2nd Bn. The Hampshire Regiment. Date 13.12.45
I've translated that Co-ord [R950724]& got this. 43° 50' 00'' N 12° 41' 38'' E Google Maps Will check in Hamps Regt history & Div history for confirmation.
Thankfully I have the correct location as the regimental history says the 2nd Bn crossed the Foglia at 1 o'clock in the afternoon of the 30th with little opposition . the road below Belvedere Fogliensi was crossed and then the two leading companies were held up by very intense mortar and MG fire. When he rejoined his company on 23rd Sept they were at rest before going back into the line 5 days later. The fighting at the Lamone was at the end of November early December 1944.
