| Surname: | Madle |
| Initials: | J E |
| Rank: | Lance Corporal |
| Army Number: | 5730511 |
| Notes: | CMP. 13/6/40 enlisted Dorsetshire Regiment, 12/4/41 transferred to CMP. 10/4/46 discharged. In January 1941 he was serving as a DEMS (Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships) Gunner, when his ship the M V Chesapeke was attacked by a German plane which he fought off with his machine gun and shot the plane down. During this action he was wounded in the eye and after discharge from hospital he was transferred to the CMP Vulnerable Points Wing. He served in 373, 374, 371, and 356 VP Companies. John Edward Madle. Medal card not found. Commendation. Information from army records held by family: discharged 19/3/1953, service with colours, 5 yrs 301 days, service on class (T) reserve 6 yrs 344 days, cause of discharge, failing to fulfill army medical requirements. Medals: MID (LG 31/1/1941 - 20/2/1941, 1939 1943 Star, Defence Medal. Born 1915, conduct exemplary. Shown as on Air Transport Duty 18/1/1945 to 20/1/1945 (escort to VIP POW and War Criminals). 10/3/45 to 11/3/1945, 1/4/45 to 4/4/45, 17/4/45 to 19/4/45, 8/5/45 to 10/5/45, 1/6/45 to 11/6/56, 16/6/45 to 16/4/45. A piece of lined paper written in pencil reads "I have just seen the white chalk cliffs of Dover. Thank God, I have been spared to see them again, whatever lies before me. May the Union flag ever wave over them. Signed W B Joyce, 16/VI/45". Given to Cpl Madle by Lord Haw Haw who he escorted to London. John Madle Western Gazette Friday 21 March 1941. Dorset Privates Commend. Pte J E Mafdle the Dorset Regiment has been awarded a "Commend" for his conduct when a ship was attacked by enemy aircraft some months ago. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Commendation (London Gazette: 35064 Page: 689 Jan. 31, 1941) |
| Citation: | The individuals named below have been brought to notice for brave conduct when their ships encountered enemy submarines, aircraft, ships or mines:- John Madle, Gunner.ITC Dorset Regiment, Part II Order 50 published 11/3/1941. Acts of Gallantry.1. The Director of Trade Division, Admiralty, has notified that No. 5730551 Pte. J E Madle, "E" Company, Infantry Training Centre, The Dorsetshire Regiment, has been awarded a "commend" for his conduct when MV "Cheapeake" was attacked by enemy aircraft on 20/11/1940.2. The following is the official account of the action:- "When an aircraft dropped bombs near the MV "Chesapeake" and opened fire with a machine gun Pte. Madle, though wounded in the eye, promptly opened fire with his Hotchkiss and first diverted and then drove off the plane. Fragments were seen to fly from the plane, showing that Private Madle's aim was accurate.He went on firing through bleeding badly, and is considered to have saved the ship and crew.3. The GOC in C directs that an appropriate entry be made on the Conduct Sheets of Pte. Madle, in accordance with para 1718 (b) King's Regulations, 1940. |
| Decoration: | Commendation (London Gazette: Page: Feb. 11, 1946) |
| Citation: | C in C London District Commendation. 5730511 L/Cpl John Edward Madle, CMP. Your name has been brought to my notice. I am authorised to signify by the award to you of this Certificate my appreciation of good service which you have rendered. I have given instructions that a note of your devotion to duty shall be made on your Record of Service. N C Lloyd, Lt-Gen. GOC, London District 11/2/1946 |