| Citation: | Italy. P5694V WS/Lt. Roeioff Andries van Rensburgh Olivier.For Gallant Leadership and Distinguished Service in the Face of the Enemy. During the period 1 September to 31 December 1944, WS/ Lt. R A van R Olivier has commanded the section of the 6 South African Armoured Division Provost Company attached to the 12 South African Motorised Brigade with outstanding leadership and gallantry. From the point of view of traffic control this period was noteworthy for the fact that it produced the most difficult and complex problems any Provost officers could have been called upon to solve. In the days preceding the battle for MONTE STANCO and during the battle itself he organised, established and maintained control so effectively over six miles of the single jeep track available that the Brigade was able to build up for and carry out the attack successfully. This track was so narrow that except at established "sidings" it was "one-way only to jeeps"; large sections of tit were in appalling and muddy condition and under almost continuous shellfire, and, in addition to the Brigade Group, it served as the only maintenance route to three other battalions. Thereafter, in the battles for MONTE PEZZA, Point 806 and Point 826 which followed during the succeeding weeks he continued continued to establish and maintain control of this jeep track right forward to the leading infantry elements, thereby ensuring the smooth flow forward of ammunition and supplies and the evacuation of casualties. For over two months since the operations became static, he and his men have maintained traffic on similar jeep tracks, during which time track conditions have varied from deep mud and slush, to snow and slippery iced surfaces. An outstanding feature of this period has been the maintenance of a traffic control post in GRIZZANA where he and his men have cheerfully and determinedly carried out their tasks under enemy observation and continuous shellfire, thereby ensuring the smooth flow of traffic over the section GRIZZANA - MONTE STANCO, known as the "Mad Mile", where traffic is subjected to direct, observed shellfire. The manner in which Lieutenant OLIVIER has carried out his onerous duties has been exemplary and has revealed high qualities of leadership, devotion to duty, and gallantry in the face of the enemy.Recommendations: OC 6 SA Div Pro Coy. Brig. 12 SA Mot. Bde. GOC 6 SA Armd Div. |
