89872 War Substantive Captain Basil Ernest West Aldwell, M.B., Royal Army Medical Corps attached 1st Battalion The York and Lancaster Regiment 1 Infantry Brigade, 13 Corps Captain Aldwell, during the period of the Sicilian campaign, as medical officer 1st Battalion The YORK and LANCASTER REGIMENT, has shown a complete disregard for personal safety in his efforts to give the earliest possible attention to battle casualties. In particular, on July 13th, [1943], he worked in the open under enemy fire for long periods. On July 20th, when the battalion had reached a very exposed position after a night attack in the CARDONE area, which could only be reached by moving across open country, Captain Aldwell, although himself hit by a piece of shrapnel, came forward in daylight to the battalion F.D.L.s [forward defence lines] and brought additional S.B.s [stretcher bearers] and some badly needed water. He continued to work in this area until another medical officer was able to relieve him to have his wound attended. On all occasions his firm determination and personal courage have contributed much to the moral of the troops, and sustained their confidence in the quick treatment and evacuation of casualties. Captain Aldwell comes from Dublin. The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Name Aldwell, Basil Ernest West Rank: Captain Service No: 89872 Regiment: Royal Army Medical Corps attached 1 Battalion The York and Lancaster Regiment Theatre of Combat or Operation: Sicily Award: Military Cross Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 18 November 1943 Date: 1943-1944 Catalogue reference: WO 373/3 WO373/3-ir1355-pgs219&220 See this thread for ref: Volunteers from Eire who have won distinctions ... :irishflag[1]: