Durham Light Infantry Citations

Discussion in 'Durham Light Infantry' started by Drew5233, Dec 17, 2009.

  1. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    As requested by Jim (Verrieres) some citations for some chaps from WW2.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM.

    For conspicuous gallantry, leadership and coolness under fire.

    At Bulschamp on 30th May 1940 Sergeant Hall's platoon occupied a position in a rearguard action, which it was essential to hold to ensure the safety of other Troops. Under heavy shell fire, enemy bombing and machine gun fire, he kept a grip on the situation and by his fine example and resource steadied his own and neighbouring troops at a critical moment. Having completed his task, he withdrew under orders and occupied another position in perfect order.

    Gazetted 20.12.40
     
  3. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM.

    On 27th May the Battalion Transport was heavily bombed and machine gunned by hostile aircraft. Five men were buried under debris, and this rescue was due to the Non-Commissioned Officer, who led a rescue party under fire. His example of coolness and courage was outstanding. During the withdrawal to Dunkirk from the Arras area, this Non-Commissioned Officer set a magnificent example of courage and determination in carrying out his duties , carrying out many journeys during day and night in country known to be investigated by hostile AFV's and subject to hostile air attack.

    Recommended MM

    Gazetted 11.7.40
     
  4. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded the DCM.

    Sergeant Carruthers showed great courage and coolness under heavy fire when employed with the Bren Carrier Platoon on a standing patrol, to watch for enemy tanks. He engaged enemy LMG positions, thus drawing their fire away from British tanks, which were retiring nearby. He continued at his gun under heavy fire until all his ammunition was expended. This occurred on 21st May 1940.

    Gazetted 11.7.40
     
  5. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM.

    On the morning of 6th June 1942 enemy positions were located to the south of 8 DLI Outpost. It was decided to attack these positions with four Carriers and a Section of Infantry. Sergeant Cairns led the Carrier attack with such dash and determination that the enemy positions were overrun and ten Officers, 200 men and a number of Anti-Tank Guns, heavy and light MG's were captured.

    MM 20.12.40

    Gazetted 24.9.42
     
  6. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM.

    After successfully accomplishing a most dangerous missionin France in 1943 lasting nearly a year, for which he has been recommmended for the MM, this WO with great gallantry, volunteered for a second mission, although by then well known to and actively pursued by the enemy.

    This work entailed extensive travelling under dangerous conditions in enemy occupied territory; Carudel was obliged to pass enemy Check Posts and came under scrutiny of enemy train guards. The risks which he ran were greatly increased owing to the fact he was not a Frenchman, also by the fact that he was a wekk known figure on the French race courses as a jockey. If it had not been for his exceptional coolness and courage, especially on occasions when his travel papers which were invaribly forged were not entirely 'in order', it would not have been possible for him to continue this dangerous work. Apart from this, the dangers which he ran when reorganizing the compromised sectors of this reseau during his first tour of duty in enemy occupied territory were extreme and increased the risks incurred on his return to France; in fact he had become well known to the Gestapo figuring on their counter-espionage lists as British Lieutenant.

    Some time after his arrival he was arrested with the head of intelligence reseau to which he was attached. He endeavoured to save his chief but, finding this impossible, made his escape under enemy fire and succeeded in warning all concerned. Showing great personal courage, he organised another attempt to effect the escape of his chief and, having failed, took over control of the organisation. With complete disregard for his own safety he succeeded in regrouping it and maintaing contact with London under the most difficult conditions until the liberation of France. Command of his reseau ranked in the eyes of the French Resistance Movement as a Liuetenant Colonel's appointment and he was in fact deemed to hold, whilst in the field, the honorary grade of Commandant.

    Captured documents show that during the whole of the period his organisation was considered by the enemy counter-intelligence services as one of the most dangerous in France, and that all means at their disposal were employed in the effort to achieve its destruction.

    Throughout his mission, although in constant danger, CSM Carudel exhibited the greatest qualities of courage, determination and leadership, inspiring all members of his organisation by his example of unsparing effort and unfailing cheerfulness.

    MM 20.12.45

    Gazetted 20.12.45
     
  7. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM.

    4448907, CSM Diston RF was CSM of the Company orderd to seize the redoubt Oerzi Est in the Mareth Line on the night of March 21/22. Throughout the attack CSM Diston showed a complete disregard of danger and magnificent leadership. He personally led many an assault on enemy fortified positions, clearly the numerous trenches and hideouts in the huge redoubts. His inspiring leadership rallied the dwindling numbers of his Company on numerous occasions before the final surrender of the redoubt, and the capture of 120 prisoners have been obtained.

    At about 1300hrs 22nd March, German Infantry and Tanks approached the redoubt at 200 yards range on three sides. CSM Diston went around the defenders with great coolness, urging them to greater efforts. Finally their ammunition expended, they were orderd to withdraw. CSM Diston guided them through the only safe exit from the redoubt back to the Anti-Tank ditch, where he obtained more ammunition and re-orgaanised them.

    Gazetted 17.6.45
     
  8. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM.

    Immediate.

    Sergeant Gallon found an abandoned Bren Carrier on withdrawing from the Mersa-Matruh Box and having repaired it as well as they could, proceeded to Alamein, arriving on 29th June 1942. By this time Sergeant Gallon was very weary and the carrier was breaking down every half mile. Eventually, at Alamein they ran into heavy shelling and the carrier was repaired again by Sergeant Gallon, with complete disregard to his own safety. He had just withdrawn from the shelling area when he was asked if he could tow a serviceable 3 ton lorry, which was out of petrol, from the centre of the shelling area, so that it could be refuelled and used for evacuating the many troops needing transport. Without a moments thought Sergeant Gallon and L/Cpl Ferguson drove their carrier straight to the lorry. The rate of shelling increased immediately, but Sergeant Gallon dismounted, affixed a tow rope to the lorry and towed it to safety where it was refuelled and used to evacuate troops. Sergeant Gallon proceeded a few hundred yards when he observed that the path of a Ration Convoy, coming up the line was blocked by four immobilised 3 ton lorries which were a direct target for the enemy shelling which was very heavy. Sergeant Gallon, at once, drove his carrier to the four trucks and one at a time, with his life in immediate danger, he affixed a tow rope and managed to tow out all four lorries thus allowing the Ration Convoy to make its effort to get through the barrage.

    The complete disregard for his own safety under heavy and continuous shelling his devotion to duty under these conditions and in his tired state and above all his rapid appreciation of the urgency of clearing the way for the Ration Convoy, regardless of personal cost, his patience in the unsuccessful evacuation by the abandoned Bren Carrier, all showed most distinguished conduct and inspired those who were privileged to see him.

    Gazetted 5.11.42
     
  9. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM.

    Immediate.

    On 30th November 1944 Sergeant Gooden was commanding No.4 Platoon of 'B' Company in the attack on the three houses in the La Capanna area (415285). His task was to take the second house after the capture of the first by another platoon. On seeing the success signal from the first house he went forward and found the Platoon Commander dead, and the platoon rather disorganised . He immediately brought up his own platoon under heavy fire, organised the defence of this house and consolidated the position. As soon as he had done this, he led his platoonon to attack the second house, which was his own objective, actually going in first and clearing the building himself. The enemy then brought down heavy artillery fire down on the house scoring at least two direct hits, but Sergeant Gooden coolly got two of his Brens into action and engaged the enemy who had withdrawn about 150 yards. This fire inflicted several casualties on the enemy and forced them to withdraw still further. He finally directed very accurate covering fire for the third platoon in their attack and materially helped them to gain their objective.

    Throughout the whole of this action Sergeant Gooden led his platoon with considerable dash and energy. His example and disregard for personal safety under heavy fire and in frightful weather conditions was largely responsible for the success of the attack.

    Recommended for MM.

    Gazetted 24.5.45
     
  10. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Andy,
    Can you post Citation to CSM S Wilson of 16 DLI of 46th Division , please.
    Wilson, Stanley Arthur
    Acting Warrant Officer Class 2
    3435626
    16 Battalion The Durham Light Infantry
     
  11. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    'On the morning of 13th September 1943, the enemy got into position on the side of the hospital North of SALERNO. As it was occupied by civilians, the hospital buildings and grounds had been respected by us, but now it became apparent that the Germans were using it. A Company, 16th Btn THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY, to which Company Sgt Major WILSON belongs, were ordered to attack and drive the enemy off the position they had occupied. The time was about 1000 hours. A Company supported by mortar fire (3") and smoke went up the hill into the attack. As the majority of the Company swung right handed to get round the enemy's flank, they came under intense machine gun fire. The Company Commander and Second-in-Command were both wounded. The only other officer was further over moving round the left flank. The Company Commander ordered the Company back and to move over to the left to join the other platoon who were using a more covered line of approach 'Company Sergeant Major WILSON who has always shown real powers of leadership, courage and determination, came into his own at once. He directed the Company (less a platoon) over to the left. At that moment the enemy started to shell the area having registered it the day before. Company Sergeant Major WILSON continued to direct operations. He sent the men off to join the left platoon. He organised the evacuation of the wounded. Company Sergeant Major WILSON stayed forward for two hours and then slipped back. He satisfied himself that all wounded had been evacuated. The information he brought back greatly assisted the 2/4th Btn THE KING'S OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY to attack later that night. The way in which Company Sergeant Major WILSON controlled two thirds of the Company was an example to all ranks. I most strongly recommend this Warrant Offficer for the immediate award of a Distinguished Conduct Medal.


    Save Drew a bit of time.


    Verrieres
     
  12. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM.

    Immediate.

    Area El Hamien.

    During the Battalion attack on the night 1st/2nd November when a gap was formed in enemy lines, 'D' Company was Right Forward Company of the Battalion. No.4034189 Corporal Haseley, C.R. was in command of No.3 Section of 16 Platoon and during this attack and throughout the entire action his dash and personal leadership were most outstanding. When the Company came under fire of fixed lines from enemy MG's Cpl. Haseley, with complete disregard to his own safety moved about among the men of his own platoo, leading them through and giving them encouragement by his own personal example.

    Two enemy dug in M.13 Tanks which had been holding up the advance a short while previously were rapidly engaged and once again Cpl. Haseley lead his section with great dash, and himself killed the crews of both tanks. Immediately afterwards Cpl. Haseley gave chase to a third M.13 tank. Cpl. Haseley was responsible for taking many prisoners during the advance and whilst the Company was consolidating the position gained he led his section forward searching the ground and bringing in two more prisoners. His leadership was of the very highest order.

    Gazetted 28.1.43
     
  13. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM.

    Immediate.

    On 12th August 1944 near La Plesses the 9 DLI were ordered to attack Pt. 262 feature. CSM Howe's Company was Forward Company. The objective was strongly held and throughout the advance the Company was heavily shelled and mortared. On arrival on the objective, one platoon was cut off, both their officer and Platoon Sergeant killed, whilst CSM Howe who was forward with the leading platoon arrived on the objective with 12 men. The situation was serious as it could be seen that a counter-attack was imminent. CSM Howe made his way through heavy fire to the other platoon which was cut off. On arrival he re-organised it and with it he again fought his way onto the objective. When the enemy counter-attacked it was decisively beaten off.

    Throughout this entire action CSM Howe displayed personal courage and powers of leadership of the highest order and it was due to his initiative that the Comapny gained and held his objective.

    Gazetted 1.3.45
     
  14. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM.

    Immediate.

    On 16th June 1944 at Verrieres 'D' Company 6 DLI advancing behind an artillery barrage was suddenly pinned down by MMG and Mortar fire from a flank. OC 'D' Company was seriously wounded and most of Company HQ became casualties.

    CSM Howsen though severely wounded in the arm and suffering from loss of blood took command of the company and pinpointed the enemy fire as coming from an infantry strongpoint supported by a tank in a farmhouse.

    CSM Howson crawled back to the FOO whom he found dead and his signaller badly wounded, so he himself directed the artillery on to the target and by so doing silenced the enemy post.

    CSM Howsen then returned to his company and had a tourniquet applied to his wounded arm. He refused to be evacuated to the RAP, although now weak from loss of blood, until he had organised the defence of 'D' Comapny.

    CSM Howsen by his general bearing, initiative and loyalty in battle has set an example of highest degree.

    Gazetted 31.8.44
     
  15. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM.

    On the night of 21st/22nd March during the 151 Brigade attack on the Mareth defences Private Hudson was with 'C' Company 6th DLI. On sighting an enemy Machine Gun post he immediately led a group of men forward with fixed bayonets. He succeeded in capturing the post, killing many of the enemy personally.

    This action of Private Hudson's enabled the rest of his Company to move forward onto the position. Before leading the charge, his Company Commander had been seriously wounded beside him. He showed outstanding courage and complete disregard for his own safety.

    Gazetted 17.6.43
     
  16. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM.

    Immediate.

    During the night withdrawal from the Gaurawla Nulla 28th June a column was surprised at the head of the Nulla, and became heavily engaged. The column became devided by heavy machine gun, mortar and anti-tank fire, and further advance was held up. This WO took command of the situation, organised covering fire from Bren Guns, and personally observed fire of the 2" Mortar and the Brens and in doing so was almost continually exposed to heavy fire. The enemy fire was sufficienty neutralised to enable the successful withdrawal of the column to continue. He was the last to leave the position, having seen everyone clear, and it was largely due to his action and personality that the party was succesfully withdrawn.

    Gazetted 24.9.42
     
  17. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM.

    For outstanding service during the counter attack on the Bulscamp position. He displayed initiative throughout and when the left half of the Company came under heavy rifle fire before reaching the objective he rallied the NCO's and men and led them forward and entered the village on the left where he successfully maintained his position in spite of heavy fire.

    Gazetted 20.12.40
     
  18. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM.

    Captured 2nd June 1940.

    Escaped 13th July 1940.

    Left Gibraltar 17th October 1940.

    Arrived UK 29th October 1940.

    Capture


    Corporal Martin was wounded near Moeres at about 1600hrs on 31st May 1940 and was taken to CCS at La Panne. On 1st June he was taken to another CCS in the chateau du Moulin Rouge near Dunkirk. There he was attended to by RAMC personel and on 2nd June was taken prisoner about 1600hrs by the advancing German troops. A number of RAMC Officers and OR's volunteered to remain with the wounded and they too fell into the hands of the Germans.

    On June 5th Cpl. Martin was taken to Zuidcote (Zuydcoote)Hospital in an English ambulance under German guard and there he stayed for five days. On June 10th he was transferred to the 17 General Hospital at Carniers near Le Touquet. A number of British RAMC Officers were there and the hospital was run by a RAMC Colonel named Wilson to whom all British arrivals reported. There was apparently very little supervision of the hospital by the Germans and apart from guards posted outside and an occasional visit from a German officer there was practically no control.

    While in bed was informed by others that five British Officers tried to escape from Carniers, two were shot and killed and three got away successfully. The two officers, killed by the guards' shots, were buried in the grounds of No.17 General Hospital at Carniers. Cpl. Martin was briefly interrogated in hospital by a German officer who astonished him by saying he knew Martin was in the Intelligence Section of 8 DLI. Martin had been very careful not to reveal his Regiment or his duties and is certain that he had no incriminating documents on him. The only explanation he can offer for the knowledge shown by the German Intelligence Officer is that either one of the RAMC orderlies, who knew his regiment, had been induced to pass the information on, or else extremely clever deduction by his immediate captors based on other prisoners capyured in the same district. Otherwise the interrogation was very brief and no attemptto force him to make a statement was made. The interrogator spoke 'perfect English with an Oxford accent'.

    Martin remained at Carniers for about three weeks and was then taken to a clearing station in Lille. He reports that it would have been impossible for an active man to have escaped from the Lille clearing station and he was about to try his luck when a RSM stopped him going. His explanation of this is that he though the RSM felt that if anyone got away vengeance would be wreaked on the nuns who had apparently taken responsibility for looking after prisoners at the station. Martin said that similiar conditions also exsisted in a P/W camp at Seclin.

    From Lille he was moved to Tournai and thence to Brussels and then to a small village over the German frontier near Aachen. By the time he reached there he had been discharged from hospital, although he was not completely fit.

    Escape


    The P/W camp at this village consisted of a very large farm house in big grounds surrounded by a high wall. Martin spent 13 days observing the habits of the guard, timing the changes of the guard etc. and found that at a ceremonial changing of the guard at 1530hrs there were a few minutes when the grounds were not under close observation. On the 14th day he determined to scale the wall and having escaped detection in getting through the grounds, which were wooded, he was given a leg up by an RAF Observor and got away unnoticed. As there was only one roll call per day - at 900hrs - his escape may have very well have remained unnoticed until the following morning. His first act was to lie up in the woods near a small house. He watched the inhabitants of this house go out and when they were clear of the house (having obligingly left the door open) he went in and stole a suit of civilian clothes which fitted him fairly well and buried his khaki in a hole in the wood. At dusk he set off to walk into Belgium (about 25 kilometres). As there was no frontier guards he had no difficulty in gaining Belgium soil, but he was careful to avoid any village or main road until he was sure he was in Belgium.

    He struck the main road leading West and skirted Liege and other towns walking only at night or for an hour after dawn and sleeping in barns by the way. Martin speaks French fluently and asked permission from farmers to lie in barns etc. explaining that he was a refugee.

    He walked through Tournai and was not stopped or questioned. He entered France via Roubaix and made his way to Haubordin near Lille where he stayed for 4 weeks with an Englishman whom he had met when his Battalion was stationed there. He said that the airports near Lille were busy with German aircraft starting off for flights to Britain. He also said that there were a number of heavy guns and AA in the Foire Commercials at Lille at that time. While he was in Lille the civilain population were evacuated to Carniers and district and at first it was thought that Britain had invaded that part of France. He stated it as his opinion that the French population would help the British in an attempt at invasion although such help would be of a discreet nature owing to the fear of reprisals.

    The general attitude of the French was very helpful to him and he was surprised at their readyiness to assist in his escape regardless of extremely heavy punishment if caught. This was especially so in the North of France where British troops had been previously, where a British victory was considered their only hope.

    His friend in Lille provided him with 600 Francs and a bicycle and on August 16th after visiting Gondecourt where he had previously been stationed, he set out for Spain on his bicycle. His friend had given him two good maps and he was able to buy food without suspicion as his French was fluent. When he was in Gondecourt he heard that 6 men of the Middlesex Regiment (probably 8th Middlesex) were hiding in the area. They did not wish to compromise him by making contact with him. He believed that there were hundreds of British soldiers hiding in France at that time and that they would gradually straggle across to this country.

    Before leaving Lille he took the precaution of providing himself with an identity card which he found to be essential. It was actually an old one belonging to his friend and which had , with an ink eraser, deleted his friends name and substituted the Frencg version of his own name, ie. Jacques Martin. A point to remember is to practise the new signature until it becomes natural. He gave another bit of advice, viz. the age to be included on the card should be outside the military grade, ie. in the case of a young man, below 18, in the case of an older man , over 45.

    Although he did not realise this at the time his indiscretion in giving his correct age (22) nearly landed him into trouble and he had to explain that he was born in America and had not done military service in France. On the card he suggested that the average escaping prisoner should describe himself as a labourer (main d'ouevre) but to comply with this the hands should be roughened and the muscular development compatible with that of a labourer. Another description for a 'white collar worker' would be architect (architecte) or student (studiant). Only a knowledge of French is necessary for any prisoner attempting this means of escape.

    At Hendaye Martin was arrested by French Gendarmerie who thought he was a deserter from the French Army. He was, however, set free on the next day and swam the river to Arun in Spain. He walked to San Sebastian where he reported to the British Consul. Next day he was arrested and put in prison because he had no papers. He was released after 24 days and proceeded to Madrid with the assistance of the British Consul. He still had no papers and was arrested there again and was imprisoned in the Direction de Seguridad where he was kept for 9 days. He was then released at the instigation of the British Embassy where he stayed for several days and was put on a train for Gibraltar, thus eventually reached England recently.

    There were many other useful tips given by Martin as follows:

    (i) If you can speak French, even moderately well you can probably get away without detection if you produce an identity card in France which is in order. The government stamp must be carefully copied on tracing paper and forged on the card and the Mayor's signature must be forged. It is essential to have an identity card from which to copy but it is not difficult to obtain these from well wishing French civilians but care must be taken that they are not seeking to entrap you and report you afterwards.

    (ii) Possession of money is important, but if it is impossible to get any, get food sent through the usual channels in tablet form.

    (iii) Simple labourer's clothes are the best disguise and can fairly easily be 'acquired' (without payment).

    (iv) A bicycle is by far the best means of transport and is easily 'lifted'. Bicycles are supposed to be licensed but the license is not often checked and this risk one must take.

    (v) You may be advertised for in the local papers. It is, therefore, desirable to try and obtain glasses or to alter the shape of the face in some way.

    (vi) Belgium is, or at least was, not so full of German troops as France and any escape from Germany might well be made through Belgium where a bicycle could fairly be easily be acquired.

    (vii) The best time to escape is from hospital, where supervision is at a minimum. It is possible to make out that one is more incapacitated than is actually the case.

    (viii) In the space of town of registration on the identity card put a town which has been wrecked by bombardment eg. St Valery or Amlens (Amiens?), where the records could not be checked.

    (ix) If challenged as to reason for travelling in France say you are a refugee going to stay with relatives in the South.

    (x) When trying to cross the frontier into Spain the river should be swum out of sight of villagers or others. There are plenty of places.

    (xi) If arrested in Spain try and gain time until you can contact the British Consul. Refuse to answer questions without an interpreter.

    Cpl. Martin brought back some information on enemy intentions etc. which, although now out of date, is of interest. He states that he gave to the British Consul in San Sebastian as much information as he could about German gun implacements and airports which he saw during his journey.

    He said that although it was forbidden to the BBC many people in France did so. The Germans tried to make British prisoners believe that they had complete control over the air but those with Martin refused to believe it.

    He said that he saw many German uniform troops in San Sebastian including a large number of Officers. The Spainish papers reported that Franco reviewed 50,000 troops in San Sebastian and Martin thinks that these were all German. This was on the 23rd August.

    A German soldier who shared a cell in the Madrid gaol with Martin, said the troops were going to La Linea. This German had been put in gaol for being drunk and assaulting a policeman.

    He said the Spainish were detective-minded. He was imprisoned for 3 days in a darkened cell in Spain for refusing to say 'Viva Franco' and give the fascist sign. His worst experience was in the underground prison of the Direction de Seguridad where he met prisoners of many nationalities including a night porter of the british Enbassy in Madrid who had incidently been in the DCLI.

    The Spainiards would not allow Martin to communicate with the British Consul but a released prisoner did so for him.

    When at San Sebastian he heard that there was German artillery on the rock above the prison there and was told that the Germans had brought it with them when they had come.

    He estimates the Spainish feeling vis-a-vis Britain is mixed, the Communists being 100% pro-British.

    His general treatment by the Germans in the concentration camp was decent, but he only had one meal a day consisting of cabbage, soup and black bread. Extra rations were offered as a bribe to prisoners who would perform manual labour in the camp. The camp was verylightly guarded. He thinks there were only six men on guard at a time. In this connection it must be remembered that this was shortly after the great German push and that camps in Germany proper will be different. Martin stressed, however, that the chances for a prisoner who speaks German to escape are 'very favourable' (he puts it at 5 to 1 on) and provided the camp is not too far from the Belgium frontier he thinks that even non-German speaking prisoners could, with luck, make it.

    Gazetted 7.3.41
     
  19. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    WILSON, A/WOII (CSM) Stanley Arthur 3435626 DCM

    Thanks for that Jim & heads up on this photo.
    Citations 943
    Below, CSM S ‘Nutty’ Wilson DCM, is pictured at Bethlehem, Palestine, in May 1944, flanked by Padre G Meek and his one-time A Coy CO, Major A E C Vizard, who was seriously wounded in the same action which resulted in Wilson’s DCM. Click on the photograph to enlarge it
    With Padre Meek and CSM Wilson 1944
     
  20. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Awarded DCM

    Immediate.

    At St. Joost on the evening of 21st January 1945, Sergeant Myers was platoon Sergeant of a platoon engaged in clearing the village. The platoon had cleared several houses when Sergeant Myers was sent back to Company HQ to report on the situation. The enemy at this point was on three sides of the company and the position was confused. After leaving Company HQ this NCO was informed that approximately 20 Germans were between hin and his platoon coming in his direction. He immediately ran some twenty yards across bullet swept ground to the corner of a house where he waited for the enemy to appear. He allowed them to approach within fifteen yards and then opened up with his Sten, killing or wounding eight or nine. The remainder took cover behind the house. The NCO waited for developments and saw a German with an MG leading the enemy from behind the house. He again waited until they were all in view, and then threw three or four grenades at the party inflicting more casualties and causing the rest to disappear. Sergeant Myers then continued on his way to his platoon. On the way he encountered two more enemy at point blank range whom he shot and killed .

    Sergeant Myers thus single handed inflicted over a dozen casualties on the enemy, and by his courage and determination fought his way back to his platoon, preventing the enemy from completely encircling his Company, and enabling them to withdraw without fighting their way out.

    Awarded a BEM 13.6.64

    DCM Gazetted 12.4.45
     

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