Award Military Medal Sjt. K.H. Belsham, 625 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers (Italy)

brithm · Aug 7, 2024

Award Military Medal W/Cpl (A/Sjt) Kenneth Harold Belsham, 625 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers, 6th British Armoured Division, 13 Corps (2079710)

On the morning of 4th August 1944 Sjt. Belsham was in charge of a party opening the road to CANCELLI when the leading tanks were held up by craters. Work was started immediately on removing three bombs which remained buried in the road near the craters, but this had to cease owing to very accurate shelling. Sjt. Belsham then went forward with one Sapper, and worked for an hour in full view of the enemy m in a very exposed position and in face of further accurate shell fire. When the bombs had been removed Sjt. Belsham ordered up a bulldozer and remained with it throughout directing the work. Shelling continued during this time, as the job was nearing completion a shekl landed in the crater, which blew the bulldozer driver off his machine and wounded the other Sapper. On spite of this the job was finished and Sjt. Belsham then went to another crater further forward, where he again put the bulldozer to work. The enemy observed the move and switched his fire to the new area, but the job wass completed successfully.

Due to Sjt. Belsham’s stirring example and leadership and his utter disregard for personal danger the road was opened and the tanks were able to continue the advance with the minimum delay.
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WO 373/8/655

Reading Standard 9th February 1945

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Award Military Medal Sjt. K.H. Belsham, 625 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers (Italy)

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Award Military Medal Sjt. K.H. Belsham, 625 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers (Italy)

brithm Senior Member

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