| Citation: Maj Joe Taylor (168447). Pioneer Corps (Andover). Italy.
Citation: During the period 10 Feb 45 to 20 Apr 45 Major TAYLOR was responsible for co-ordinating with the US Provost Marshal P.B.S., and personally organising all the traffic arrangements for the concentration of troops for operation GOLDFLAKE at Harrods (LEGHORN) and also the subsequent traffic arrangements required for the personnel and vehicles when called forward for embarkation through the Port of LEGHORN. The damage at the Port of LEGHORN coupled with the normal heavy American traffic of P.B.S., made the traffic arrangements for embarking the large number of troops and vehicles at different berths very complicated, and Major TAYLOR's excellent liaison with the US Military Police and untiring personal energy ensured that the whole of the physical traffic arrangements were successfully carried out without a hitch. Major TAYLOR was detailed for this special task outside his normal course of duty as a Staff Officer of H.Q. 2 District, on account of the various nationalities involved, requiring great tact, in particular as the Port of LEGHORN is American controlled and the embarkation plan for operation GOLDFLAKE a British responsibility.
Recommended by Lt Col N M Blair, Deputy Provost Marshal H.Q. No.2 District and Major General E P Nares, Commanding No.2 District. WO 373/74.
Operation Goldflake. This was a secret administrative move of all Canadian Combat Units and the British 5 Division from Italy to North West Europe in the spring of 1945. |
