| Citation: | Military Medal Citation.North West EuropeOn the night of 2 October 1944 Lance Corporal Murphy was on duty on the southern end of the NIJMEGEN pontoon bridge. His task was to direct traffic and to ensure that vehicles of 69 Brigade Group who were crossing the bridge from north to south were directed to their concentration area. Throughout the night the bridge and bridge approach were shelled and bombed, and many of the nearby houses set on fire.He maintained a close watch in his area for craters and falling masonry which might block the road, and cleared away the rubble if necessary. The guiding lamps had been rendered useless and as his voice was drowned by other noises, he had to jump on vehicle after vehicle to direct the driver. In the general excitement of the situation many vehicles went in the wrong direction. These he ran after and corrected. On one occasion blast from a bomb which burst neaby lifted him off his feet and threw him against a wall of a burning house several yards away. Although severely bruised, cut and badly shaken he immediately returned to his task, with complete disregard for his personal safety, and remained on duty until he was relieved three hours later when the last vehicle had passed.Due to his energy and untiring devotion to duty, chaos, which would have led to the loss of vehicles and lives, was averted and the column was able to reach its destination without casualties.Awarded an immediate MM. Recommended by Captain W R Hunter OC 50 Div Pro Coy. National Archive WO 373/52. |
