| Citation: | Italy. Royal Welch Fusiliers attached to 2 North Staffordshire Regiment. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and outstanding devotion to duty during the advance from BORGO SAN LORENZO towards BOLOGNA. In the mountainous area North of MARRADI on 27 Sept. 44. the advance of the Bn. was temporarily held up by strong opposition. It was vital to the Brigade plan to discover the exact location of certain enemy posts. Lieut. IRELAND was ordered to take out a patrol to investigate a high feature some 1500 yards distant. Lieut. IRELAND led his patrol over very difficult country past an enemy outpost to within 300 yards of his objective. At this point he left the patrol and went forward himself with two O.R.'s to investigate. On reaching the shoulder of the hill the party was fired upon by an MG. killing one, and wounding Lieut. IRELAND in the chest and arm. Lieut. IRELAND attacked the MG post with grenades and killed the German gunner with his Tommy Gun. Lieut. IRELAND then successfully extricated his patrol, and over the wireless personally directed arty. fire on the enemy causing them many casualties, although at this time he was in a weak state. The information gained by the patrol was of great value to Bde. HQ.Throughout the action Lieut. IRELAND showed great courage under fire at close quarters. His cool daring, and utter disregard for his personal safety were an inspiration to the rest of the patrol; while the successful conduct of the patrol was undoubtedly mainly due to his outstanding leadership.Recommended by: Lt Col G E Thubron, Cmdg. 2 N Staffs. Bde. Commander 2 inf. Bde. Commander 1 Division, Commander 13 Corps. C in C AAI. |
