| Citation: Burma. Citation for MBE whilst serving with 82 LAA/A/Tank Regiment RA. This officer having no previous infantry experience joined ARTFORCE on 10 Dec 1943. He took over a troop which rapidly became the most efficient in the force. This was entirely due to his spirited determination and personal hard work. For a month before the final withdrawal from the TIDDIM area, his troop had been right forward at MONGLANG deep in enemy country in constant touch with the JAPS. His was the last sub-unit in the whole Division to receive orders to withdraw. By skillful planning and leadership, in spite of being surrounded by superior enemy forces who held the initiative, he successfully extricated his troop (with only four casualties). At the same time unknown, but certainly more, casuaties were inflicted on the enemy. During the withdraw his party contacted another superior force of JAPS, many of who were sleeping, without hesitation he engaged them with grenades, achieving great surprise and creating such confusion that his party was able to fade out and reform having again caused material damage to the enemy without loss to themselves. He finally led his part back in a 60 mile march to rejoin the regiment as M.S. 126. Cheerful, and confident through, his leadership was a grand example to the troop.
CO 83 AA/A/Tank Regt RA, General C in C 11 Army Group, GOC 14 Army, Lieut General IV Corps.
WO 373/80 |
