| Surname: | Laing |
| Initials: | T |
| Rank: | Corporal |
| Army Number: | 7689056 |
| Notes: | CMP. Enlisted in to CMP. From Perth. 51 Div Pro Coy. 9/43 serving with 51 (H) Div Pro Coy. Casualty Lists 1093, Tunisia, Wounded, 7/3/1943. Unit War Diary 51 (H) Division Pro Coy WO 169/8806. 7/3/43 Sgt Curtis killed by enemy action, aircraft strafing, L/Cpl Laing wounded in legs, L/Cpl Cox superficial wounds. Extract from the Perthshire Advertiser, 7/11/45. MILITARY MEDALIST. It is announced that the Military Medal has been awarded for services in North-West Europe to Corporal Thomas Laing, Corps of Military Police whose home is at Victoria Place, Rattray. Before joining up he was a lorry driver with Mr J Dick, Blairgowrie. He served with the 51st Division in the Desert Campaign, in which he was wounded. He is now discharged from the Army. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Military Medal (London Gazette: 37302 Page: 5003 Oct. 11, 1945) |
| Citation: | Military Medal Citation.North West EuropeCorporal Laing has been in the Highland Division Pro Coy for over 3 years, and has served in all the battles from EL ALAMEIN to the German defeat, with coolness, cheerfulness and gallantry. An experienced NCO he was section Corporal attached to a Brigade in the Divisional attack on the SIEGFRIED LINE defences, west of the RHINE and later in the assault crossing. The success of the operations in both cases depended on the accurate and comprehensive road and traffic control and in carrying out this task Corporal Laing had displayed the greatest determination, coolness and disregard for danger. He was responsible for lighting certain of the tracks for Buffaloes (amphibious tracked troop carriers) in the RHINE CROSSING from assembly area to water's edge. This task had to be carried out without fail by a certain time after dark. Failure would have had an adverse effect on the operation. The task was successfully accomplished by Corporal Laing under heavy enemy fire. This NCO can be depended upon to use his initiative under hazardous conditions and to handle swiftly any awkward situations that arise. His disregard of danger, his resource and his unfailing sense of duty were of the highest order.Awarded a periodical MM. Recommended by Captatin L G Small OC 51 Div Pro Coy. National Archive WO 373/55. |