APPENDIX II: HONOURS AND AWARDS

(Note: Explanation of abbreviations is after section 2.7)

2.1 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER

Number	Rank	Name	Date of Award and Authority
123895	T/Major	HOLDEN, Ronald Edwin	Suppl. to L.G. 29/3/45; Appx B 21 GRO 80 (1097) 30/3/45
69755	T/Lt-Col	VEALE, Peter Norman	C9/6/69 21/4/45 21 AG List 141 14/4/45 Bde A901(Approved by King)

2.2 MILITARY CROSS

Number	Rank	Name	Date of Award and Authority
123895	T/Major	HOLDEN, Ronald Edwin	Appx B 21 GRO 60 10 Nov 1944; date of award 19 Oct 1944
190465	T/Capt	KIDD, Kenneth Aurius	Appx B 21 GRO 60 10 Nov 1944; date of award 19 Oct 1944
276084	Lieut	CRITCHLEY, Frederick Aloysius	Appx B to 21 GRO 81 (1117)
295841	Lieut	FAWCETT, Thomas	Appx B to 21 GRO 81 (1117)
311938	Lieut	WATERS, W. Jake	21 AG List 141 dated 14.4.45 (9/9/69 dated 21 Apr 1945. Bde A901 (approved by King)
264938	Lieut	STONE, John A.C.	In final list of Periodical Awards published after 14 November 1945

2.3 MILITARY MEDAL

Number	Rank	Name	Date of Award and Authority
7925957	A P/Sgt	VIRGO, Kenneth George	Date of award 19 Oct 1944 21 GRO 60 dated 10 Oct 1944
3317551	W/Sgt	TOMNEY, Thomas	LG Supplement dated 1 Mar 1945; Appx B to 21 GRO 81 (1117) dated 6 Apr 1945
14241463	Tpr	REES, Cyril A.	LG Supplement dated 1 Mar 1945; Appx B to 21 GRO 81 (1117) dated 6 Apr 1945
14413698	Tpr	LOWE, J	LG Supplement dated 1 Mar 1945; Appx B to 21 GRO 81 (1117) dated 6 Apr 1945
7917835	W/Sgt	ATKINSON, T
7932461	W/Sgt	STALLEY, J.	In final list of periodical awards published after 14 Nov 1945
7940511	W/Sgt	BROOK, Henry	In final list of periodical awards published after 14 Nov 1945
7955829	APL/Cpl	TOWLSON, A. John	LG Supplement dated 24 May 1945; 21 AG List 141 dated 14 Apr 1945 C9/9/69 dated 21 Apr 1945 Bde A901

2.4 Mentioned in Despatches

170589	T/Major	Warren, Percy Herbert	Supplement to LG dated 20 Mar 1945
52518	T/Major	BALLANTINE, James Douglas	Supplement to LG dated 20 Mar 1945
7926006	W/Sgt	SMITH, James David	Supplement to LG dated 20 Mar 1945
218709	Rev. Capt.	McMAHON, Patrick J.	Supplement to LG dated 20 Mar 1945
7934589	Tpr.	CARTER, W	Supplement to LG dated 20 Mar 1945
7578978	W/Sgt	LYALL, Anthony	Supplement to LG dated 20 Mar 1945
262393	Lieut	WINTLE, Leslie Herbert	Supplement to LG dated 20 Mar 1945
7926109	L/Cpl	STUBBS, Samuel	Supplement to LG dated 20 Mar 1945
14280840	Tpr	HORNER, Frederick	Supplement to LG dated 20 Mar 1945
7925922	L/Cpl	ALDCROFT, James	Supplement to LG dated 20 Mar 1945
7895962	W/Sgt	ARLETT, Robert	Supplement to LG dated 20 Mar 1945
7907151	W/Sgt	RATHKE, George	Supplement to LG dated 20 Mar 1945
228898	T/Capt	LONG, Roger Ernest	Supplement to LG dated 20 Mar 1945
7957814	AP/Cpl	MOSS, Max
7926074	L/Cpl	BROWN, L
307737	2nd Lieut	WELLS, Gerald D
7925972	W/Cpl	MINTON, William H
7901689	W/Sgt	HALL, Richard S
166685	Capt	LINK, F. Sidney
256504	Lieut	FRANCIS, Seymour W.	LG Supplement dated 10 May 1945
7961140	Tpr	PATCHETT, R.C.	Supplement 37072 dated 10 May 1945 to LG dated 8 May 1945
7925987	AP/Sgt	BERRY, Frederick	Supplement 37072 dated 10 May 1945 to LG dated 8 May 1945
170281	T/Major	REYNELL, Michael John
16214	T/Major	MOCKFORD, Herbert G
249290	T/Capt	LISTER, Thomas C
228898	T/Capt	LONG, Roger Ernest
256504	AP/Capt	FRANCIS, Seymour W
78833645	W/Sgt	FINDLAY, Ernest Gordon
7932461	W/Sgt	STALLEY, J
3781272	W/Cpl	McLEISH, N.
7942563	Tpr	HANDS, W.E.
222648	T/Major	HODGES, A.E.W.
63641	T/Major	MASSY, H. Peter
7932456	W/Sgt	DYSON, Arthur
7909610	L/Cpl	RAY, George
228895	T/Capt	BRECKNELL, John G.

2.5 COMMANDER IN CHIEF'S CERTIFICATE

A. GALLANTRY

793145	AP/L/Sgt	BOTTOMS, Ernest Lionel	Appx B to 21 AG GRO No. 67 (875) dated 29 Dec 1944
14236715	Tpr	VARDY, A	Appx B to 21 AG GRO No. 67 (875) dated 29 Dec 1944
14403869	Tpr	PEARSON, B	Appx B to 21 AG GRO No. 67 (875) dated 29 Dec 1944
14308397	Tpr	HOPKINS, Norman	Appx B to 21 AG GRO No. 67 (875) dated 29 Dec 1944
281944	Lieut	BODEN, Arthur Peter	Appx B to 21 AG GRO No. 89 (1280) 1 June 1945
7938282	Tpr	KIRK, J. W.

B. GOOD SERVICE

7876990	WOII (QMS)	WILLIAMS, J.	Appx B. 21 AG GRO 76/45
7592696	WOII (QMS)	WILDING, Granville Richard	Appx B 21 AG GRO 93/45 (1356)
456011	WOII (RQMS)	ARMSTRONG, R.A.	Appx B 21 AG GRO 78/45 (1059)
7910706	Cpl	LEATHAM, Ernest	Appx B 21 AG GRO 85/45 (1194)
7908206	SSM	DAVID, Douglas	Appx B 21 AG GRO 85/45 (1194)
162639	Capt	BROOK, R.C.
14311768	Sgmn	SEARLE, G.N.P.
7926064	AP/L/Cpl	NUNN, H	Appx B 21 AG GRO 93/45 (1356)
4612264	AP/Cpl	REYNOLDS. W.
7885969	SSM	JOYCE, Oswald D.
7995342	SSM	EDWARDS, P.T.
7926000	AP/L/Cpl	MOULDING E.J.
405413	SQMS	LEWIS, James H.
7947791	Tpr	GRESHAM, R.L.
7906818	W/Sgt	MASTON, Victor B.

2.6 CROIX DE GEURRE

281944	Lieut	BODEN, Arthur Peter	Silver Star	Appx B 21 AG1282/#/MS dated 9 Apr 1945; Appx B21 AG RO 1176 dated 27 Apr 1945
14280840	Tpr	HORNER, Frederick D.	Bronze Star	Appx B 21 AG1282/#/MS dated 9 Apr 1945; Appx B21 AG RO 1176 dated 27 Apr 1945

2.7 BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL

3781272	WS/Cpl	McLEISH, N.	(R. Sigs)
4612264	AP/L/Cpl	REYNOLDS, W.	(REME)

Abbreviations

LG London Gazette

21AG 21st Army Group

GRO

AP/ Acting Paid

W/ or WS/ War Substantive

T/ Temporary

2.8 CITATIONS FOR DECORATIONS

Decorations awarded to members of 9 RTR are shown in paragraphs 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 of this Appendix. Citations for those decorations are recorded below. In two cases (MC for Major R.E. Holden and MM for Sgt. T. Atkinson) it has not yet been possible to locate the citations). It should also be noted that there are some inconsistencies between the citations and the same events as related by participants or observers.

2.8.1 WS/Major T/Lt-Col 69755 Peter Norman VEALE MC

Recommended for Immediate DSO

Lt-Col VEALE MC commanded his Regiment with conspicuous success in support of 53 (W) Div which fought through the REICHSWALD FOREST from end to end, from Feb 8th to the 11th.

During four arduous days and four nights of almost continuous fighting which, with extremely difficult going, reduced the effective strength of his Regiment from 50 odd to less than 20 battleworthy tanks, this CO never failed to support his infantry under the most trying and exhausting conditions of atrocious weather and morass of mud.

In particular on night 8/9 Feb his Regiment supported the infantry in a night attack of 6000 yds through the forest, an unorthodox and extremely difficult and dangerous operation for tanks, which nevertheless was entirely successful.

Had it not been for his enthusiasm, drive and complete disregard for his personal safety during these four days and nights of almost continuous fighting, the tank support afforded to the infantry, to which they give the most generous praise, could never have been achieved. His judgement and inspiring grip of all ranks down to individual fighting crews in his Regiment contributed enormously to the success of a very difficult operation. Throughout the whole period under review this officer has displayed the same qualities of leadership and outstanding personal example and I have no hesitation whatever in strongly advocating the immediate award of the DSO to this very gallant officer.

Recommended by:

Brigadier W.S. Clarke 34 Armoured Brigade 1.3.45

Maj-General Ross 53 Infantry Division 4.3.45

General HDG Crerar 1st Canadian Army 9.4.45

Authorized by:

Field Marshall B.L. Montgomery 21 Army group 24.5.45

2.8.2 WS/Capt T/Major 123895 Ronald Edwin HOLDEN MC

Recommended for Periodical DSO

This officer has commanded 'C' Squadron during every single action in this theatre of war.

He has shown the very highest qualities of leadership and is cool and sound in all his decisions. Always in the forefront of the battle, he is continually to be found leading his Squadron into fire positions.

On numerous occasions he has distinguished himself as a Squadron Commander in battle, only some of which are quoted:-

At EPAIGNES on 25th August, he pressed home his attack with such determination and skill that, in spite of the fact that the village was strongly held, it surrendered without inflicting many casualties on our own infantry.

At BEST, between 9th October and 13th October, he carried out five raids on the enemy positions with great dash and determination, inflicting heavy casualties and capturing many prisoners, without suffering any loss to his own troops.

At ST. LENNARDS on 20th October, his Squadron suffered no loss yet it inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, breached a strong position, and secured the infantry on their objective on schedule.

At VINKENBROEK on 29th October, his tank was knocked out but he continued to control the action on foot until his 2 i/c took over. Later on, despite his wounds, he refused to leave the position.

In fact he continued in action until relieved at dusk.

At LE HAVRE on 12th September, he and one troop of tanks pressed home their attack with such determination that they broke through the defences and caused much confusion in the rear areas, thus making the enemy surrender quickly.

By his courage and leadership his coolness in action and out of action, he has made 'C' Squadron into a very fine fighting unit. The officers and men have every confidence in him and would follow him into any action. He has been given difficult and dangerous tasks to carry out and he has never shown anything but eagerness and enthusiasm for the task.

Every Infantry Commander with whom he has worked has commended him after the action.

Major HOLDEN is a very gallant and courageous officer and his fearless and daring leadership commands the respect of the whole regiment.

Recommended by:

Lt-Col P.N. Veale 9th RTR 8.11.44

Brigadier W.S. Clark 34 Tank Brigade 9.11.44

Authorized by:

Lt. Gen H.D.G. Crerar 1st Canadian Army 27.11.44

2.8.3 T/Capt 190465 Kenneth Aurius KIDD

Recommended for Immediate MC

The action took place on the evening of the 29th June 44 at the sector between MONDRAINVILLE and GRAINVILLE.

'C' Squadron was ordered by the Comd 46 Bde to counter an attack by enemy Infantry and Tanks in the area of x rds NORTH-EAST of Le VALTRU.

Capt. Kidd in his capacity as Sqn. R.O. immediately went forward to this area, contacting the Infantry F.D.L's in his scout car; he gained information which was passed back and then went further forward in an endeavour to locate the enemy.

Locating enemy position, he ran back, climbing on to his Squadron Leader's tank to pass the information verbally, which enabled the Sqn to be deployed to positions which could dominate the enemy advance, and countering the attack which failed in consequence.

During the whole action, which lasted some 2 hours, Capt. Kidd displayed time and time again determination of purpose to carry out his duty with a complete disregard for his personal safety and gaining the admiration of the whole Sqn and inspiring them to greater effort.

During this time one Panther was knocked out. Dismounting Capt. Kidd ran forward to capture the crew who baled out fully armed. He did this act single-handed, armed only with his pistol.

On arrival back with the Sqn, as the enemy approached, Capt. Kidd reported verbally information to the Squadron Commander, and then worked forward alone and on foot at great personal danger, as by now the area of the tanks was being very heavily mortared and machine-gunned by the enemy, quite apart from a number of snipers endeavouring to pick off the Tank Comds, encouraging the infantry to hang on and have confidence in their tanks' support.

In my opinion it was the skill and daring of Capt. Kidd which influenced the battle in our favour by bringing invaluable information (which included the location of Panther tanks) thereby providing the Squadron Commander with an up to the moment picture of the situation.

Recommended by:

Lt-Col N.H. Everand 9 RTR

Brigadier G.S. Knight 31 Tank Brigade 9 July 1944

Lt-Gen. R. O'Connor 8 Corps 3 August 1944

Authorized by:

Field Marshall B.L. Montgomery 21 Army group 11 Aug 1944

2.8.4 W/Lieut 276084 Frederick Moysius CRITCHLEY

Recommended for Immediate MC

On 26th October 1944, during an attack on NISPEN, Lieut. CRITCHLEY's troop, together with a platoon of infantry, was detailed as cut-off force to capture and hold the road bridge NORTH of NISPEN.

The tanks came under heavy S.P. fire and all tanks were hit, whilst at the same time infantry sustained casualties due to mortar and machine gun fire.

Lieut. CRITCHLEY continued to manoeuvre his troop by hand signals owing to damaged wireless, and with daring leadership knocked out an S.P. gun and an 75-mm anti-tank gun.

The force was now not strong enough to continue so he manoeuvred his tank to engage enemy machine guns, silencing two, while the other two tanks shielded infantry. He then loaded wounded infantry on to these two tanks and covered their withdrawal with his own tank.

Lieut CRITCHLEY remained in that position for the next two hours, without support or communication, until relieved by another Squadron.

This officer, in his first action, displayed the highest qualities of leadership and courage and was an inspiration to all those who took part in the action.

Recommended by:

Lt-Col. P.N. Veale 9 RTR 2 Nov 1944

Brigadier W.S. Clarke 34 Armoured Brigade 4 Nov 1944

Maj-General E. Barker 49 Infantry Division 7 Nov 1944

General HDG Crerar 1st Canadian Army 5 Dec 1944

Authorized by:

Field Marshall B.L. Montgomery 21 Army group 1 Mar 1945

2.8.5 W/Lieut 295841 Thomas Cyril FAWCETT

Recommended for Immediate MC

On 29th October 1944 at BOEINK Lieut FAWCETT was in command of a troop of Churchill tanks supporting a company of infantry. His troop came under heavy fire from enemy S.P. and 75-mm guns and all tanks were hit. The troop pushed on until the infantry took cover to avoid heavy mortar and small arms fire. His tank again sustained a serious direct hit but he continued amid a hail of shell fire to seek and destroy two enemy machine guns, thus dominating the position and enabling the infantry to continue their advance. He then engaged and destroyed an anti-tank gun. His crew was then put out of action and he saw his crew to safety. The other two tanks of his troop were also knocked out so he went to them on foot, under heavy fire, evacuated the wounded to shelter and dressed their wounds. He then reported back to his Squadron Leader, gave an accurate account of the situation on the objective and the location of two S.P. guns.

Due to this officer's courage and determination the infantry gained their objective with only two casualties, and furthermore, regardless of his personal safety, he persisted in recovering and tending to the survivors of his troop.

Lieut FAWCETT displayed the highest qualities of leadership, and his gallantry is an inspiration to the Regiment.

Recommended by:

Lt-Col P.N. Veale 9 RTR 2 Nov 1944

Brigadier W.S. Clarke 34 Armoured Brigade 4 Nov 1944

Maj-General E. Barker 49 Infantry Division 7 Nov 1944

General HDG Crerar 1st Canadian Army 5 Dec 1944

Authorized by:

Field Marshall B.L. Montgomery 21 Army group 1 Mar 1945

2.8.6 W/Lieut 311938 William John WATERS

Recommended for Immediate MC

On 10th February 1945, Lieut WATERS was in command of a Churchill troop, in support of an Infantry Company, during the advance through the REICHSWALD FOREST. On approaching the objective our troops were subjected to heavy spandau and bazooka fire. Lieut WATERS' tank was ditched when manoeuvring into position so he immediately baled out in spite of heavy fire and took over his sergeant's tank. He then manoeuvred this tank to drive off the enemy bazooka teams to a safe distance and went on to destroy the enemy machine guns, thus stabilising the situation. In spite of heavy artillery and mortar fire he then proceeded to recover his own tank by personally attaching the two ropes and supervising the unditching although his person was in full view of the enemy. The Commanding Officer of the Infantry Battalion writes of him "Over a period of days he commanded his troop so skillfully and with such dash that the company was saved numerous casualties. His aggressiveness, in country both difficult and dangerous for tanks, was such that the men in the Company were imbued with the utmost confidence in their supporting tanks from the outset. His determination under the most adverse conditions to maintain himself and his tanks in the forefront of the battle and in support of infantry could not have been greater. He kept going with one tank, and when that eventually broke down, he tried every means to obtain yet another to enable himself to advance with the company. His example was an inspiration to all around him".

This officer showed great courage, dash and inspiring leadership under intense fire in the face of the enemy. His devotion to duty under the most difficult conditions was beyond praise.

His gallantry was an inspiration to all troops taking part in the action.

Recommended by:

Lt-Col P.N. Veale 9 RTR 24 Feb 1945

Brigadier W.S. Clarke 34 Armoured Brigade 27 Feb 1945

General HDG Crerar 1st Canadian Army 9 April 1945

Authorized by:

Field Marshall B.L. Montgomery 21 Army group 24 May 1945

2.8.7 W/Lieut 264523 John Alan Castleman STONE

Recommended for Periodical MC

Lt. Stone has commanded a troop in 'B' Sqn in every action in which the Sqn has taken part since June 1944.

On 27 June 44 at GRAINVILLE-SUR-ODON, Lt. Stone's troop was the right-hand troop of the Sqn supporting an attack by the Cameronians. The Infantry were held up 500 yds short of the objective and a strong enemy counter-attack supported by tanks developed towards HAUT DE BOSQ. The right flank of this attack was directed against the Cameronians' position. Lt. Stone took his troop forward into the open to entice the enemy from their cover. His tactics were so successful that he was able to destroy a Tiger tank and force the counter-attack to a standstill. The Cameronians then advanced to their objective.

On 12 Feb 45, during an attack in the REICHSWALD Forest, Lt. Stone's troop, consisting of only two tanks, supported by "C" Coy of the 2nd Mons in an attack. The attack took the enemy by surprise and penetrated their main position. The enemy then put in a series of heavy counter-attacks firing over 50 Panzerfausts at Lt. Stone's two tanks. despite the fact that his gunner was seriously wounded, Lt. Stone refused to give ground and repelled all attacks for 45 minutes until flank attacks had eased the pressure and the objective consolidated.

This Officer thoroughly deserves recognition for his courage, devotion to duty and the consistency with which he has carried out every task entrusted to him.

Recommended by:

Lt-Col P.N. Veale 9 RTR 27 June 1945

Brigadier W.S. Clarke 34 Armoured Brigade 9 July 1945

Lt-Gen S.C. Kirkham 1 Corps District 31 July 1945

Authorized: 9 Nov 1945

2.8.8 WS/Corporal 7925951 Kenneth George VIRGO

Recommended for Immediate MM

On Tue, 27th June 1944, 10 Troop were ordered to make a right flank attack on the village of Grainville-sur-Odon.

After a short while, the infantry with whom they were co-operating reported the centre of the village to be held by Panther Tanks, and withdrew. the tanks were ordered to advance through a plantation to the church in the centre of the town. When 100 yards away they met with heavy anti-tank fire and the Troop Sergeant's tank was knocked out, Corporal Virgo, knowing that his tank was jamming in reverse gear whenever he engaged it, advanced with his Troop Leader.

From very close range, one of his bogey wheels was shot out. The tanks met with heavy anti-tank and machine-gun fire from less than 100 yds range. It was necessary to change positions constantly to secure alternate covering fire positions in the plantation.

On at least two occasions, under intense fire, Cpt. Virgo got on to the back of his tank and, with a crowbar, manhandled the gear rods out of reverse. The crowbar was, on one occasion, knocked out of his hand by a bullet, but he picked it up and carried on. There were several snipers in the trees at the time and Corporal Virgo seeing one firing from close range whilst on the back of the tank, shot him with his pistol before getting back into the tank to continue firing on the centre of the town.

Later, in the same plantation, he went back to the Troop Sergeant's tank which was by this time burning fiercely. Again he dismounted, and with Ammunition from the burning tank bursting near him, and heavy enemy fire, he fearlessly did his best to protect Sgt. Simmons who was seriously wounded from the burning ammunition and enemy fire. He then mounted his tank again and brought it up to his Troop Leader and remained there firing less than 100 yards from the Church, until ordered to withdraw.

During the whole of the 30 minutes during which Corporal Virgo was in the plantation, he showed great courage, initiative and powers of leadership. This coolness in the face of enemy fire was magnificent.

Recommended by:

Lt-Col N.H. Everard 9 RTR 7 July 1944

Brigadier G.S. Knight 31 Tank Brigade 9 July 1944

Lt-Gen R. O'Connor 8 Corps 2 Aug 1944

Authorized by:

Field Marshall B.L. Montgomery 21 Army group 24 May 1944

2.8.9 W/Sgt 3317551 Thomas THOMNEY

Recommended for Immediate MM

On 26th October 1944, at the attack on NISPEN, Sergeant TOMNEY's troop was eastern protection troop. When his Troop Leader's tank was hit he took control of the remaining two tanks, engaged enemy S.P. guns, and covered the withdrawal of his Troop Leader's crew. He continued to hold the enemy S.P. guns for 45 minutes until further troops could be manoeuvred into position. His action forced the enemy S.P. guns to withdraw. During this period his tank was hit repeatedly wounding him seriously, but he continued the engagement to its conclusion, and only then lapsed into unconsciousness.

This N.C.O. fought a very gallant action with superb discipline under very heavy fire.

Recommended by:

Lt-Col P.N. Veale 9 RTR 2 Nov 1944

Brigadier W.S. Clarke 34 Tank Brigade 4 Nov 1944

Maj-Gen E. Barker 49 Infantry Division 7 Nov 1944

Gen. H.D.G. Crerar 1st Canadian Army 5 Dec 1944

Authorized:

Field Marshall B.L. Montgomery 21 Army group 1 Mar 1945

2.8.10 Trooper 14241463 Cyril Anthony REES

Recommended for Immediate MM

On 26th October 1944 during the attack on NISPEN Trooper REES was driving his Troop Sergeant's tank. This tank received a direct hit wounding the Sergeant, and the crew were evacuated to a village some 400 yards away. Trooper REES suffered shell shock, was treated, and then sallied forth single-handed back to the tank under heavy small arm, mortar, and shell fire to try and recover his tank. The tank had been recovered so he proceeded to recover another tank some 200 yards further on but found it to be undriveable.

This single-handed, determined and gallant act, under heavy fire, shows a spirit of self-sacrifice to save tanks from further damage.

Recommended by:

Lt-Col P.N. Veale 9 RTR 2 Nov 1944

Brigadier W.S. Clarke 34 Tank Brigade 4 Nov 1944

Maj-Gen E. Barker 49 Infantry Division 7 Nov 1944

Gen H.D.G. Crerar 1st Canadian Army 5 Dec 1944

Authorized:

Field Marshall B.L. Montgomery 21 Army group 1 Mar 1945

2.8.11 Trooper 14413698 John Christopher Cecil LOWE

Recommended for Immediate MM

On 29th October 1944 during the attack on VINKENBROEK Trooper LOWE was gunner in a Churchill tank. During the battle his Squadron Leader's tank received a direct hit, wounding three of the crew. He jumped out of his own tank, under heavy fire, and assisted in dressing the wounded. He then obtained permission to try and recover the tank. He made two attempts but was driven back by enemy fire. Finally he reached the tank and drove it back amid a hail of fire from S.P. guns.

Trooper LOWE displayed gallantry in face of heavy enemy fire and by his courage saved the tank from complete destruction.

Recommended by:

Lt-Col P.N. Veale 9 RTR 2 Nov 1944

Brigadier W.S. Clarke 34 Tank Brigade 4 Nov 1944

Maj-Gen E. Barker 49 Infantry Division 7 Nov 1944

Gen H.D.G. Crerar 1st Canadian Army 5 Dec 1944

Authorized:

Field Marshall B.L. Montgomery 21 Army group 1 Mar 1945

2.8.12 Lance-Corporal 7955829 Albert John TOWLSON

Recommended for Immediate MM

During the battle for the REICHSWALD FOREST a Churchill Squadron attacked the SIEGFRIED Line extension through the forest at 2230 hrs on the night of 8/9th February 1945. The night was dark except for artificial moonlight, and unfortunately the troop commander's tank of which Lance-Corporal TOWLSON' is the driver, fell into a large, well-camouflaged dug-out. All efforts failed to extricate the tank from the dug-out with the result that it had to be left and the Troop Leader mounted another tank.

The advance continued and the crew were left alone in the middle of this part of the forest with no protection apart from their own personal weapons. There were many enemy left round the position including bazooka teams who repeatedly attacked. A spandau team worked their way towards the tank and engaged the crew who replied with bren and sten. Later they came under enemy artillery fire. Despite all this Lance-Corporal TOWLSON rallied the crew together and worked unceasingly throughout the night to free the tank.

By this display of courage and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy, a valuable piece of equipment was saved from destruction, and furthermore was brought back into action at the earliest opportunity when it was badly needed.

Lance-Corporal TOWLSON has earned a reputation with his colleagues who have applauded his example, and inspired them at a time when the hazards of war were at their worst, all with a complete disregard for his own personal safety.

Recommended by:

Lt-Col P.N. Veale 9 RTR 2 Nov 1944

Brigadier W.S. Clarke 34 Tank Brigade 4 Nov 1944

Maj-Gen E. Barker 49 Infantry Division 7 Nov 1944

Gen H.D.G. Crerar 1st Canadian Army 5 Dec 1944

Authorized:

Field Marshall B.L. Montgomery 21 Army group 1 Mar 1945

2.8.13 WS/Sgt 7932461 James William STALLEY

Recommended for Periodical MM

This NCO has been a Troop Sgt throughout the campaign in Europe. He has on four occasions taken over control of his troop in the middle of an action and never failed to command it with skill and determination.

At MALTOT on 10 Jul 44, his troop officer was killed and Troop Cpl's tank knocked out. Alone for 25 minutes, Sgt. Stalley provided left-flank protection and when his own tank was hit and immobilised he stayed in position firing the guns. His tank was hit again and set on fire but Sgt. Stalley refused to leave the battlefield, helping to evacuate the wounded and reporting the situation to his Sqn. Ldr.

At ST. LEONARTS on 20 OCT 44 he was again left in command of his troop when the troop officer was wounded. He continued in action, knocking out a 75mm anti-tank gun and causing the surrender of a German strong point which was by-passed by the leading troops. This without support of any sort.

On 18 Feb 45, at CASTEL BILJENBECK, Sgt. Stalley again took over control of the troop when the troop officer's tank had to go out of action. On this occasion he remained with his tank in an exposed position completely dominating the enemy position until all his ammunition had run out.

Sgt. Stalley has always displayed great courage and determination. He has always provided a fine example of coolness and fighting spirit worthy of the highest merit. His Sqn Ldr would entrust him with a troop in the most difficult of actions, confident that Sgt. Stalley would command the troop with the same skill as an experienced troop officer.

Recommended by:

Lt-Col P.N. Veale 9 RTR 27 June 1945

Brigadier W.S. Clarke 34 Tank Brigade 8 July 1945

Lt-Gen S.C. Kirkham 1 Corps District 31 July 1945

Authorized: 20 Oct 1945

2.8.14 W/Cpl A/Sgt 7940511 Harold BROOK

Recommended for Periodical MM

On 24 Aug 44, during the attack on EPAIGNES, Sgt. Brook's tank developed a mechanical fault preventing him crossing the Start Line with his troop.

He quickly corrected the fault and carried out a reconnaissance on foot to determine the whereabouts of his troop. He saw that the enemy were about to launch a flank attack upon his troop position. He rang back to his tank and reported the situation to his troop officer and then moved his tank forward where he could ambush the enemy. As the enemy moved forward across his field of fire he caught them in enfilade, inflicting heavy casualties. The counter-attack failed and the position was easily consolidated.

On 27 Oct 44, "C" Squadron was in support of The Gloucester Regt. in an attack on NISPEN. During the consolidation , Sgt. Brook's troop officer's tank was knocked out and the troop Sgt. severely wounded. Sgt. Brook took over command and with his own tank and the Troop Sgt's tank, now without a commander, held the position against several enemy counter-attacks supported by S.P. guns.

During the BROEDERSBOSCH action on 16 Feb 45, Sgt. Brook's troop were actively engaged in clearing the NE corner of the wood. Having swept the wood clear and reached the objective Sgt. Brook's tank was hit and set on fire. He immediately pulled the other members of the crew out of the tank, all of them badly wounded – all this whilst under constant Spandau fire. Having evacuated his crew to the RAP, Sgt. Brook who was burned about the face and hands, refused medical attention and returned to his troop position and with a Sten gun beat off enemy infiltration parties who were endeavouring to fire panzerfausts at the other two tanks of the troop.

This N.C.O. has displayed a determination and coolness in action which has been a fine example to all ranks.

Recommended by:

Lt-Col P.N. Veale 9 RTR 27 June 1945

Brigadier W.S. Clarke 34 Tank Brigade 8 July 1945

Lt-Gen S.C. Kirkham 1 Corps District 31 July 1945

Authorized: 24 Oct 1945