Award Bronze Star L/Sjt. A.H.J. Siverns, 4th Field Squadron, Royal Engineers (1910223)

brithm · Oct 10, 2021

L/Sjt. Albert Harvey John Siverns (1910223) 4th Field Squadron, Royal Engineers
U.S. Bronze Star

At the hamlet of GEBROEK E659757, North West Europe between 22nd December 1944 and 1st January 1945, a troop of 11 were holding a strong point near the MOLEN Dyke in nightly contact with strong enemy patrols. L/Sjt. SIVERNS in command of a small party of sappers undertook the laying of anti-personnel mines to form a perimeter minefield along the dyke and to the WEST. This he successfully accomplished in one night, overcoming by steadfastness and determination the difficulties presented by the frozen snow covered ground, the proximity of the enemy and the uncharted presence of enemy and allied mines and booby traps laid months previously. Because these he made the reconnaissance alone, surviving the inadvertent setting of of a trip flare and a grenade booby trap. On 26th December 1944 after a counter attack and enemy occupation, he spent the whole of the night after the position had been restored, examining the field for exploded mine, tracing the trip wires remaining and restoring the whole field with more mines: an extremely dangerous task, because the whole area had been subjected to intense artillery fire. On New Year's Eve L/Sjt. SIVERNS took part in the action which repulsed yet another strong enemy raid, with at least six enemy casualties on the anti-personnel mines. Again he went out to investigate and restore the field. At one suspicious place he sent the sapper with him back and continued alone. Before the man was out of range L/Sjt. SIVERNS tripped a mine but turned to shout a warning - ensuring the sapper's safety before his own. He was severely wounded in the jaw when the mine exploded. With selfless bravery in a dangerous and exposed place he distinguished himself by heroic achievement not involving participation in aerial flight.
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WO 373/147/460
London Gazette 15th October 1946

WIA 15th November 1944 & 1st January 1945

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Award Bronze Star L/Sjt. A.H.J. Siverns, 4th Field Squadron, Royal Engineers (1910223)

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Award Bronze Star L/Sjt. A.H.J. Siverns, 4th Field Squadron, Royal Engineers (1910223)

brithm Senior Member

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