| Surname: | Muggeridge |
| Initials: | R H |
| Rank: | Sergeant |
| Army Number: | 6482266 |
| Notes: | Formerly Royal Fusiliers. 61 Section SIB. Metro News. British Empire Medal (Military Division). The BEM (Military Division) has been awarded to Lance-Sergeant R H Muggeridge, Corps of Military Police. PC Muggeridge (Y) joined the Army on 23 June 1942, and rejoined the Force on 25th November 1946. Police Review, 20/12/1946. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | British Empire Medal (London Gazette: 36850 Page: 5849 Dec. 21, 1944) |
| Citation: | Italy. At NAPLES on the 6th May 44 Sgt RH MUGGERIDGE was engaged on an enquiry concerning a larceny for which two soldiers had already been apprehended when he observed in a cafe a third soldier who was suspect. On being beckoned to come outside, the soldier drew a revolver and advanced towards Sgt. MUGGERIDGE who remained blocking the door. When ten feet away the soldier fired his revolver at Sgt. MUGGERIDGE who dropped to the ground and avoided being hit. As Sgt MUGGERIDGE jumped to his feet the soldier fired again, this time narrowly missing MUGGERIDGE's head. As Sgt MUGGERIDGE continued to advance upon the soldier, the soldier ran into the street and down a side alley. Sgt MUGGERIDGE immediately gave chase and caught up with the soldier after some 400 yards, who turned and commenced to back up some steps. Sgt MUGGERIDGE being unarmed, picked up a stone and slowly mounted the steps, the while calling to the soldier to come down. When having advanced to within some 4 or 5 feet of the armed soldier, a shout raised below momentarily distracted the soldier's attention. Sgt MUGGERIDGE leaped forward at this opportunity and after a struggle succeeded in disarming the soldier of the loaded pistol and taking him into custody. The action of Sgt MUGGERIDGE in arresting an armed felon, having been fired upon at point-blank range, and knowing him to be dangerous and likely to resist at all costs, the fact that he achieved this himself unarmed, constitutes an act of extreme courage and displays the highest devotion to duty.Maj APM HQ 57 Area. Brig J G Bruxner-Randall Comd 57 Area. Maj Gen Comd 8 District. National Archive WO 373/72. |