| Surname: | Fisher |
| Initials: | V |
| Rank: | Sergeant |
| Army Number: | 2654089 |
| Notes: | CMP. From Hexham. Formerly Coldstream Guards, transferred to CMP. 113 Pro Coy. 20/12/45 Discharged. War Diary 113 Pro Coy, WO 171/3378. Report to OC 113 Pro Coy, CMP. Sir, I have to report the following activities of Section 3 of 113 Pro Coy from 19 Sept 44 incl. whilst on detachment duties at St. OEDENRODE. Sept 19. Section under Command of Lt Smith took over Mobile Patrol in ST. OEDENRODE approx. 17.00 hrs. Enemy snipers were found to be active in the church neat the billet. I formed a party including L/cpl's SILBY, NIXON, COOPER, OVENDEN and Cpl STANLEY. The church was searched but no snipers were found at the first search, but later three were located and taken prisoner. Sept 20. At 06.00 hrs the enemy attacked "JOE'S BRIDGE" in force. L/cpl DORMAN who was on road patrol, was asked by an American officer in charge of a convoy to find a fighting patrol. He obtained this from an American unit nearby. This Patrol was split, one party going to the right of the wood and one to the left, L/Cpl DORMAN was asked to lead the party going to the left, this he did. Sept 20. at 10.00 hrs the enemy attacked the town from the S W. LIEUT SMITH went off in a tank, as Commander and engaged the enemy with success,m inflicting casualties. All traffic stopped, but resumed at mid-day. Police patrols carried on as usual. Sept 21. Town subject to enemy shell fire but traffic kept moving unit 12.00hrs approx. when the enemy attacked VEGHAL TCP. Section working as normal, night guards established in case of enemy parachutists attacking. Sept 22. Road still cut, enemy attacked 50 (N) Div. TAC HQ on outskirts of village, section alert in case of emergency. Sept 23. Road resume3d normal traffic. Enemy forced off the road, patrols work as normal under enemy shell fire. Road traffic commenced at approx 15.30 hrs. Sept 24. Patrol working under difficulties, (shell fire, snipers, and mortar fire) to clear the road of wrecked vehicles. Enemy again cuts the road about a mile N. of town. All traffic stopped. Sept 25. Road still cut by enemy until 14.30 hrs when traffic proceeded. Patrols went ahead in case of enemy shelling order to warn convoys. Standing by at night in case of parachute attacks. Sept 26. Enemy shelling the town and mortaring the road. Patrols carry on as normal. Sept 27. Patrols as normal working under shell fire and sniper attacks. At 20.30 hrs a half track vehicle was hit by enemy shell and set on fore. In company with Lieut SWEET, we were able to clear the road, Three bodies were killed an their bodies recovered from the truck. Sept 28. Enemy Still Shelling the town, patrols as normal. Field 28 Sept 44. signed 2454089 V Fisher Sgt, CMP 10/8/48 He was awarded the MM, 1939-1945 Star, Africa Star with 8 army clasp, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, MID. Address:- 2 Lincoln Terrace, Hexham, Northumberland. Victor Fisher. Victor Fisher. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Mention in Despatches (London Gazette: 37213 Page: 4060 Aug. 9, 1945) |
| Citation: | North West Europe. |
| Decoration: | Military Medal (London Gazette: 37442 Page: 646 Jan. 24, 1946) |
| Citation: | Military Medal Citation.North West EuropeIn September 1944 during the advance through HOLLAND to NIJMEGEN Sergeant Fisher was detailed to establish a traffic post in St OUDENRODE, HOLLAND with orders to ensure the smooth flow of traffic through the town along the road which was the only route by which the British forces were advancing and could be maintained. The traffic post was duly established on 19 September, and all went well until the leading Armoured Division had passed through, when on 22 September the route was cut by substantial German forces just north of the town. This occurred in the late afternoon at a time when traffic was held up which caused considerable congestion in St OUDENRODE. Almost at once shells began to fall in the town causing casualties to the stationary vehicles and heavy firing was heard outside. As the shelling continued and increased in violence Sergeant Fisher took steps on entirely his own initiative to disperse the traffic by moving from vehicle to vehicle and ordering and guiding drivers to pull into the side streets and back yards. But this was no easy matter as several were now in flames and drivers of others had taken cover. There can be no doubt that but for the example and complete disregard for personal safety of Sergeant Fisher the casualties to both vehicles and personnel would have been considerably higher and furthermore, by his leadership he gave confidence to the drivers when the situation was most confused and rumours of the most alarming nature were abundant. Many hours passed before the Germans were cleared from the road and the shelling ceased, but during the next few days they succeeded in cutting the route on more than one occasion and each time the same conditions arose in St OUDENRODE, but throughout this particularly trying period Sergeant Fisher, by his coolness, leadership and devotion to duty was a source of inspiration to those under his command and all with whom he came into contact.Awarded the MM. Recommended by Lt Col J Innes DPM 30 Corps. National Archive WO 373/56. |