7903610 Corporal James Edward BARBOUR, North Irish Horse, Military Medal, MiD

Recommendation for Award for Barbour, James Edward Rank: Corporal Service... | The National Archives
Reference: WO 373/11/93
Name: Barbour, James Edward
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 7903610
Regiment: North Irish Horse, Royal Armoured Corps
Theatre of Combat or Operation:
Italy
Award: Military Medal
Date of announcement in London Gazette: 26 April 1945

25 Army Tank Brigade, 4 Division, 5 Corps
7903610 WS/Corporal (A/Serjeant) James Edward BARBOUR, NORTH IRISH HORSE

On November 10th, 1944, at Map Ref. 429179 one tp of N.I.H. was supporting C and B Companies BLACK WATCH. The enemy, an Assault Battalion of 994 Grenadier Regiment, were holding two rows of fortified houses and the crossroads. On the 9th Nov, after fierce fighting, they were 100 yards short of the crossroads. These crossroads. were strongly held with spandau, Anti-Tank guns and Bazookas.

In order to clear the row of houses the tanks had to go over the crossroads and down the street at right angles. The road was believed to be mined. The 6 BLACK WATCH could NOT get on unless the tanks did this. Serjeant BARBOUR took his tank round the corner under intense fire. The road was blocked with fallen trees and wire. Serjeant BARBOUR charged the obstacle, disregarding the mines one of which he ran over but it failed to detonate, and blew down the enemy held house at point blank range. Had he stuck or been mined, his chances of escape at such close quarters would have been nil.

Such was the effect of this lone tank attack that the 6 BLACK WATCH were able to clear the houses of the remaining enemy. It was annihilated in this action; only 6 surrendered, the remaining 35 were killed.

This N.C.O's skill and daring were an inspiration to all who witnessed the action. His tank was continuously in action for two days.

 

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37051/supplement/2217/data.pdf
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37051/supplement/2216/data.pdf

War Office, 26th April, 1945.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in .recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy: —

The Military Medal.
No. 7903610 Sergeant (acting) James Edward, BARBOUR, North Irish Horse, Royal Armoured Corps, (Belfast).

 

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37184/supplement/3721/data.pdf
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37184/supplement/3719/data.pdf

War Office.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy: —

N.I.H.
7903610 Sgt. (actg.) J. E. BARBOUR, M.M.