Recipient | 17824 Lieutenant Colonel Ian Robertson Baird |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Bar to Distinguished Service Order |
Date of Action | 22 January 1944 |
London Gazette | 04 May 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/5/2 |
On the night 19th/20th January, 10 Berkshire Regiment took over the Damiano feature, the summit of which was not at that time in our hands. Lieutenant-Colonel Baird at once planned an attack to clear the enemy of the ridge, and this was launched with complete success during the night 21st/22nd January. At 1400 hrs on 22nd January the enemy began to shell and mortar the feature with great intensity, and under cover of this bombardment launched a strong counter-attack. Bitter fighting ensued and continued for the next four hours. It was only when the leading company ran out of ammunition that Lieutenant-Colonel Baird ordered it to withdraw. During the night, except for occasional lulls, there was no relaxation in the enemy shelling of the ridge. During these lulls, when the smoke and dust cleared, Lieutenant-Colonel Baird could be seen standing on a rock fully exposed directing operations and encouraging his men. There is no doubt that this magnificent example of personal bravery had much to do with the successful repelling of this most determined counter-attack, and the sight of their Commanding Officer standing in the open with shells bursting round him was an inspiration to all ranks. On several occasions the issue hung in the balance, but all messages received at Brigade HQ from Lieutenant-Colonel Baird were full of confidence and grim but cheerful determination to hold the hill. His only request was for more ammunition. Lieutenant-Colonel Baird at once organised another attack, and though, in the event, this was not completely successful, there is no doubt that the enemy suffered heavy casualties, and as a result of the two days fighting was severely mauled. When the battalion was relieved, after three days and nights of hard fighting, on short rations, considerable physical strain, and for long periods under intense and accurate shelling, all ranks came down in the highest of spirits. This I attribute very largely to Lieutenant-Colonel Baird’s outstanding personal gallantry and indomitable spirit. | |
Recipient | 17824 Lieutenant Colonel Ian Robertson Baird |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Distinguished Service Order |
Date of Action | 10 - 14 November 1943 |
London Gazette | 23 March 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/5/194 |
On the night 10th/11th November 1943 during the relief of another battalion of the Brigade by 10 Royal Berkshire Regiment in the Calabritto position, the enemy launched a determined counterattack. They succeeded in infiltrating between the two forward companies and penetrating into the village itself. Confused fighting took place, but by first light on the following morning the enemy had definitely been held, although small parties were still in close contact with the forward posts. Further attempts at infiltration were beaten off, and so vigorous was the offensive action taken by the battalion that by 14th November the enemy had been completely subdued and in fact had withdrawn some distance. The success of this action I attribute largely to the fine example set by Lieutenant-Colonel Baird, who remained cool and calm throughout, even when all communications with his forward companies had gone and his HQ was under both heavy artillery and small arms fire. With no thought of his own danger he visited his forward troops, on one occasion by carrier, owing to the fact that the road was under small arms fire; and by his cheerful and dominating bearing so inspired his men that they fought back magnificently, and not only restored a difficult situation, but finally succeeded in dominating the battlefield. Throughout the Italian campaign Lieutenant-Colonel Baird has never hesitated to be in the forefront of the battle and has shown the same high standard of gallantry and devotion to duty which he also showed in the Sicilian Campaign. | |
Recipient | 6022413 P/Lance Corporal Joseph Bishop |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Military Medal |
Date of Action | 10 November 1943 |
London Gazette | 23 March 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/5/313 |
At Calabritto on 10th November 1943 this NCO was manning the LMG of his section when the enemy counter-attacked the section area. He raised the alarm and opened fire, hitting two Germans. The second wave of enemy attacked and threw grenades, one landing by Lance Corporal Bishop. He picked up the grenade and threw it back, wounding another attacker. A few moments later a grenade landed in front of him but he remained at the LMG, firing all the time until the gun ran out of ammunition. His great gallantry and example ensured that the section position remained intact and by holding it he prevented a difficult situation arising in the company position. | |
Recipient | 5347241 Private Frederick Theodore Carmichael |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Military Medal |
Date of Action | 11 November 1943 |
London Gazette | 23 March 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/5/314 |
On the morning of 11th November 1943 in the Calabritto area a strong fighting patrol of enemy advanced towards Private Carmichael's section’s area. Private Carmichael, who was on sentry, spotted them and engaged them with fire. The enemy threw a grenade which landed among some 3-inch mortar bombs near the section position. The mortar bombs began to explode near him but in spite of this Private Carmichael continued to return the fire even after he was badly wounded by shrapnel from the bursting bombs. He remained in action for two hours until he was overcome by his wounds. His devotion to duty, marked and inspiring bravery, undoubtedly resulted in the successful defence of the section position which in turn contributed to the holding of the other positions in the company area. | |
Recipient | 5344864 Lance Serjeant William Clay |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Distinguished Conduct Medal |
Date of Action | 22 January 1944 |
London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/6/170 |
On 22nd January 1944 on the Damiano Ridge B Company had seized the 411 height and was being counter-attacked in strength. Sergeant Clay was in command of a 3-inch mortar detachment with B Company on the ridge. In the first phase of the fighting all the ammunition was expended, having been used with great effect on the enemy in his forming up places and approach lines, which were defiladed from artillery fire. At this time the ridge and the battalion position below were being subjected to the most intense artillery and mortar bombardment. In the height of this Sergeant Clay led his men back to Platoon HQ to bring up ammunition. Encouraging them by word and by his bearing of cheerful indifference to enemy shelling, he successfully brought up a load of ammunition, although all other ammunition parties had been immobilised by casualties in the attempt. The enemy was close in and Sergeant Clay without thought of personal safety completely exposed himself at his OP to enable him to bring fire close in on the enemy. Though continuously fired at he continued standing at his OP controlling his fire until his ammunition was again expended. The company was now hard pressed and Sergeant Clay led his men forward to fight with their rifles. In the ensuing fighting Sergeant Clay displayed the most aggressive initiative, on two occasions he went forward himself to attack the enemy who had infiltrated, killing three and wounding two. The cheerful courage and fearless spirit displayed by Sergeant Clay was enheartening to the men of the company, as his deadly mortar fire had been before. *Initially recommended for the Military Medal the recommendation was upgraded to a Distinguished Conduct Medal by 168th Infantry Brigade. | |
Recipient | 5345780 U/L/Corporal Ronald Falcon Charles Coles |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Distinguished Conduct Medal |
Date of Action | 11 November 1943 |
London Gazette | 23 March 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/5/241 |
On the night 10th/11th November 1943 , 10th Battalion The Royal Berkshire Regiment had just relieved another battalion in the Calabritto position when intense shelling, mortar and machine gun fire was opened which proved to be the prelude to a determined enemy attack. At about 1900 hrs when the enemy fire was at its height, an officer was seriously wounded. Lance Corporal Coles, one of the stretcher-bearers attached to a reserve company near the Battalion HQ area, immediately left the cover of his slit trench and ran forward some 200 yards to where the officer lay. Completely ignoring the enemy shelling he dressed the officer's wounds and then carried him single-handed to a Bantam, during part of which journey he had to pass through heavy enemy machine gun fire. Placing the officer in the Bantam he drove it himself to the RAP, along a road which was also at the time under accurate shellfire. He then immediately returned to his company, and on six other and separate occasions during the night went out and attended to wounded men despite the fact that shells and mortar bombs were still falling and that machine guns were sweeping the area.At first light on 11th November, he took out stretcher bearers and searched for wounded to ensure that none had been left unattended. During his search he discovered a wounded man, and despite the fact that he was in full view of the enemy who was still firing, he attended the man's wounds and carried him to safety. On the night 11/12th when the Battalion HQ area was once again subjected to very heavy fire which caused several casualties, Lance Corporal Coles again went out under this fire to attend to the wounded men, moving from one to another, dressing their wounds and heartening them by his own personal cheerfulness and imperturbable manner. He continued to search throughout the night until he was satisfied that all wounded had been collected and cared for. On the evening of 12th November the company to which Lance Corporal Coles was attached was sent to regain touch with one of the leading companies, round which considerable numbers of enemy had infiltrated. Information was received that a Sergeant had been wounded, that it had not been possible to bring him in, and that he was probably in an area occupied by the enemy. On hearing this, Lance Corporal Coles immediately set off on his own initiative to look for this Sergeant; with the utmost calm he advanced under heavy and close machine gun fire, and began to search the area. It was not until he was ordered by an officer to desist that he gave up his efforts to find the wounded man. Throughout the whole period of some forty hours, Lance Corporal Coles refused to rest.Oblivious to his own personal danger, he displayed courage of the very highest order and set a standard of selflessness and devotion to duty which was an inspiration to all who were privileged to witness it. By his gallant conduct he undoubtedly saved many lives. *Initially recommended for the Victoria Cross the recommendation was downgraded to the Distinguished Conduct Medal by 56th Infantry Division. | |
Recipient | 5347151 Corporal John Cook |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Distinguished Conduct Medal |
Date of Action | 6/7 March 1944 |
London Gazette | 20 July 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/6/530 |
At the Anzio beachhead on the night 6th/7th March 1944 Corporal Cook was ordered to occupy with a standing patrol of ten men, a house known as ‘Law's Folly’ in order to protect the left flank and communications to A Company locality. At 2045 hrs an enemy patrol of ten men approached the house. Corporal Cook ordered his patrol to hold their fire until the enemy were within twenty yards of the house, and then, with the first burst of fire killed two of the enemy. The remainder of the patrol at once began to withdraw down a ditch under cover of a Spandau. Corporal Cook crawled forward alone to within ten yards of the enemy automatic and then charged it firing his Thompson sub-machine gun. He killed both the enemy gunners and silenced the machine gun; as a result the rest of the enemy patrol was put to flight. Corporal Cook at once switched his fire down the ditch and succeeded in wounding two more. He then returned to his patrol to await events. At 2345 hrs an enemy fighting patrol of thirty men with four Spandaus attacked, but were pinned in some outhouses by the accurate small arms fire of Corporal Cook's party. Shortly after, one of the Bren guns was damaged and put out of action. During the next forty-five minutes the enemy tried to rush the house three times but at each attempt they were beaten back by the accurate small arms fire and also by a grenade throwing party which Corporal Cook had organised in the top rooms of the house. Eventually the enemy withdrew leaving behind six dead and carrying several wounded with them. The patrol withdrew at first light intact. Throughout this small action Corporal Cook displayed the highest qualities of leadership, and courage; he had with him five men who were new to battle, and there is no doubt that his own personal example and utter disregard for his own safety so inspired the men that they were able utterly to defeat three determined attacks although heavily outnumbered, and to inflict considerable casualties without loss to themselves. | |
Recipient | 249828 Lieutenant Ronald James Edmonds |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Military Cross |
Date of Action | 11 November 1943 |
London Gazette | 23 March 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/5/224 |
On the night of 11th November 1943 at Calabritto the company to which Lieutenant Edmonds belongs was subjected to intense mortar and shell fire and was counter-attacked three times. Displaying conspicuous bravery he promptly went out with the utmost coolness and disregard of personal danger to visit his sections and cheer on his men. During this action a shell blew in a wall burying his platoon Sergeant while he himself was severely wounded in the back. Lieutenant Edmonds at once began to extricate the Sergeant and continued to do so until he had freed him. With the help of Sergeant Pearce he tried to carry the injured Sergeant to safety but collapsed from loss of blood. Throughout this action Lieutenant Edmonds showed leadership, courage and tenacity of purpose of a very high order. | |
Recipient | 5339110 A/Corporal Henry Alfred Evans |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Military Medal |
Date of Action | 21 January 1944 |
London Gazette | 20 July 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/6/608 |
On 21st January 1944, when the battalion was being counter-attacked on the Damiano ridge, this NCO’s section was in an exposed position on the right flank. The enemy attempted to form up in the dead ground forward of his position. When he discovered this, he organised his section for counter measures, and went forward himself firing his LMG and throwing grenades. During the whole of the time he was under heavy fire from enemy rifles and grenades and later from a tank. Later, his section ran short of ammunition he went over to get replacements from the next section and when later most of his section were casualties he took over the Bren gun himself and with men of another section continued to fire at the enemy. It was greatly due to this NCO’s leadership, initiative and disregard of personal safety that the attack was beaten off before it was able to materialise. *Initially recommended for Distinguished Conduct Medal but downgraded to the Military Medal by 56th Infantry Division. | |
Recipient | 5333228 Company Serjeant Major John Giles |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Military Medal |
Date of Action | Periodic |
London Gazette | 21 December 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/9/177 |
At Calabritto on 11th November 1943 A Company was holding a position on the right of the village. From first light onwards the company positions were subjected to heavy mortar and shell fire which became very intense at 1000 hrs when the enemy counter-attacked and swept the positions with machine gun fire. CSM Giles, in the absence of the company commander, visited each platoon position during the worst period of the attack and by his coolness he steadied those around him. On his return to Company HQ a wall was hit by a shell and collapsed burying a Sergeant of 8 Platoon. The platoon commander shouted for assistance and CSM Giles came up immediately and helped extricate the wounded Sergeant. The platoon commander by this time had also been wounded and CSM Giles took command of the platoon temporarily thus ensuring the successful defence of the platoon area. Throughout this action the company area was subjected to the most intense enemy barrage but CSM Giles showed complete disregard for his own safety. On the Garigliano on 13th January 1944 CSM Giles volunteered to go out and look for his company commander who was missing from an attack the previous night somewhere in the area of some crossroads known as ‘Aspen’. He recced the area in spite of continuous enemy mortar fire for about an hour without success. Finally, he saw what he thought was a body lying in a track which he knew to be heavily mined. Without a thought for his personal safety, he went towards the body but was wounded by an S-mine before he could reach the body. He has been CSM of A Company from the beginning of operations in Sicily until wounded on the Garigliano. He has always acted with the greatest gallantry and determination in the face of the enemy. His bearing in action has contributed greatly to the high morale of his company which has some very fine achievements to its credit. | |
Recipient | 5349922 Private Maurice Harry Goodchild |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Military Medal |
Date of Action | 10 November 1943 |
London Gazette | 23 March 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/5/315 |
On 10th November at Calabritto during an inter-unit relief Private Goodchild’s section was trapped in the room of a house into which the enemy had penetrated. His section commander and another NCO endeavoured to force their way out, but both were killed. Moving towards the door with his LMG he opened fire but the gun jammed; without hesitation he dropped it and picked up a Thompson sub-machine gun with which he killed one German. The enemy fire however did not slacken and by this time Private Goodchild had run out of Thompson sub-machine gun ammunition. Undeterred he went back into the room, and got a rifle with a discharger cup. Once more advancing to the doorway, he fired two 68 grenades at the enemy position – this forced them to withdraw and so saved a very difficult situation. He then went to Company HQ under heavy fire and reported the situation, and so enabled the Company commander to reinforce and re-adjust the defences of that particular area. | |
Recipient | 89308 T/Major Edward John Green |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Distinguished Service Order |
Date of Action | 21 January 1944 |
London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/6/76 |
On the evening of the 21st January 1944 on Damiano ridge, Major Green was in command of his company which advanced and captured some thirty-five Germans who were defending Point 411, highest point of Damiano ridge and key position of the Corps line. Major Green went up with his leading platoon and, completely disregarding the enemy’s intense machine gun fire, advanced towards the German Company HQ the location of which he knew beforehand. On approaching, he was met by a vicious burst of machine gun fire from the HQ. Intent on obtaining all possible information, he advanced and himself threw two grenades which killed two Germans and ordered the others to give themselves up in German. With the utmost determination and bravery he walked up to the remaining Germans and when they still resisted, killed yet another, and captured seven. During the whole of this time, heavy fire was also coming from positions in rear of the German HQ. With little or no cover, he managed to secure valuable documents which proved of great value later. He then set about organising the mopping up of the area where enemy posts were still resisting. This he successfully accomplished, moving fearlessly amongst his platoons on the bare and open slopes. Throughout the whole of the attack and subsequently while in occupation of the positions, Major Green displayed the greatest gallantry under continual fire - some of the worst yet experienced by the battalion. This action is in keeping with this officer's gallantry, devotion to duty and disregard of personal safety throughout the whole of the Italian campaign. | |
Recipient | 157454 Captain (QM) Arthur Frederick William Haynes |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire |
Date of Action | Periodic |
London Gazette | 21 December 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/72/229 |
He has been QM of this battalion for nearly four years. During this period the battalion has been mobilised for service overseas, has been re-equipped prior to active service in Sicily and has been re-equipped after fighting. This has entailed a large amount of additional work on his part. By his foresight he has at all times ensured that the battalion was up to scale in equipment and that every possible care was taken of the stores under his care. His continual and unflagging hard work on behalf of the personnel of this unit to ensure that they were as comfortable as possible during periods of rest from action has had the highest effect on maintaining morale of the battalion. On one occasion, when the battalion was in action, he displayed great devotion to duty by refusing to remain in hospital and continuing to carry out his duties although suffering from injuries received when the house in which B Echelon was established collapsed as a result of bombing. Later he was twice injured by near misses from shells during the action at Anzio. Despite this, he has continued to work with great efficiency and energy. He is extremely loyal and has never spared himself at any time in his efforts to ensure that the QM’s branch of this battalion was maintained at the highest possible pitch of efficiency. His outstanding ability and knowledge have been of great value in ensuring the smooth running of the battalion at all times. | |
Recipient | 180645 T/Captain Rupert Hedger |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Military Cross |
Date of Action | 09 February 1944 |
London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/6/138 |
At Carroceto in the Anzio Beachhead, on the morning of 9th February 1944, when the battalion was called on to make its last but one stand against overwhelming odds, both tanks and infantry, Captain Hedger left Battalion HQ with orders to visit the left forward company, to warn them of a double threat to their right flank. At that time the left forward company was heavily engaged with the enemy on the left. With the utmost calm and coolness he arrived in the company area under withering fire from machine guns and tanks. Fully exposed and with no cover or thought for himself, he searched for the company commander, who at that time was away on the left. Realising the situation, and that there was no time to be lost, he quickly rallied the hard pressed right platoon, which now had no officers. He organised the defence, and himself took part in breaking up the enemy by firing his LMG, and encouraging the men. After the attack by the enemy, which failed to dislodge the platoon, and only after he was satisfied that the situation was in hand, he once again moved about in the open to find the OC Company and deliver the orders. After this he returned to Battalion HQ with the latest and valuable information - during this time he had again to cross ground swept by continuous fire from machine guns, and this time heavy mortar fire. There is no doubt that by this gallant action the Company was saved. This officer has been Adjutant to the battalion throughout all the fighting in the Sicilian and Italian campaigns, and during this time he has carried out his duties in the same exemplary manner, displaying qualities of devotion to duty and personal bravery of the highest order. On many occasions when the battalion was under heavy artillery and mortar fire, he continued with his task with the utmost coolness, and by his personal example steadying those around him. Again on the night 11th/12th November 1943, during the battle at Calabritto, when Battalion HQ came under very heavy fire, his complete disregard for personal safety and coolness ensured that all went smoothly with Battalion HQ. Again, when the battalion was attacked on 12th November, and under almost continuous fire, he displayed those same high qualities of devotion to duty and personal courage. Later, during the fighting in the Anzio Beach Head, he carried out his duties under the most trying conditions with the same courage and coolness. His example has been of the greatest value, to the battalion in ensuring that Battalion HQ functioned efficiently during the heaviest shelling, and at all times.* * This paragraph is crossed through on the original citation | |
Recipient | 5495735 Company Serjeant Major William Higgins |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Distinguished Conduct Medal |
Date of Action | Periodic |
London Gazette | 24 August 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/7/337 |
On 10th/11th November 1943 at Calabritto, CSM Higgins’ company was attacked several times by considerable German forces. It was during the second attack that night that the enemy penetrated the company's right flank and broke through to Company HQ. Without hesitation CSM Higgins left cover and single-handed faced the oncoming German machine gunners who fired as they advanced. On closing with the enemy he killed two Germans after a severe hand-to-hand struggle. Armed only with a LMG he then chased the Germans across the open and handling his weapon with the utmost fearlessness he dispersed no less than twenty Germans who broke and ran. When the enemy attacked his company again on the night 11th/12th he went out to a forward platoon which had lost its commander and half its strength. Under continual mortar and machine gun fire he reorganised the platoon and when the enemy attacked stayed by the men directing their fire in an exposed position. So vigorous was the action taken by him that the enemy was successfully beaten off. Throughout the fighting he set a magnificent example of personal bravery and his determined efforts and powers of leadership inspired the men of Company HQ to follow his example. Had Company HQ been overrun a most difficult situation would have arisen, and there is no doubt that CSM Higgins ' efforts were responsible for preventing this. His action is only in keeping with the bravery he displayed on the Catanian Plain on 17th July 1943 when, with all his officers casualties, he rallied his company and withdrew it according to plan, having first ensured personally to see that no casualties had been left behind. This Warrant Officer has shown marked ability as a leader as well as a complete disregard of his own personal safety. His conduct and bearing throughout the campaign have been of a very high order and an inspiration to all men in his company. | |
Recipient | 200308 Lieutenant Frank Donaldson Jones |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Military Cross |
Date of Action | 10 November 1943 |
London Gazette | 23 March 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/5/225 |
On the 10th November 1943 Lieutenant Jones was commanding his company which was heavily counter-attacked on several occasions while defending Calabritto. For two hours the Germans subjected his company to intense shell and mortar fire before attacking. With outstanding leadership and bravery he went from one platoon to another giving orders, organising ammunition supply and encouraging his men. Successfully beating off the first attack, the company inflicted twenty-eight on the Germans who withdrew in disorder. He then quickly reorganised his reserve platoon which had suffered casualties including its commander. Leading the platoon himself, he attacked and successfully drove the enemy from a wood from which the enemy was able to cover the whole battalion sector, killing a further four Germans and capturing four machine guns. He then reorganised his fire plan to such success that when the enemy’s third attack arrived it failed before reaching his forward posts. Following this, the enemy attempted to penetrate his positions on three more occasions, bringing down the heaviest of concentration. Each was driven off. It was mainly due to this officer’s skill, outstanding leadership and bravery, and his conception of aggressive defence that the battalion was able to hold its ground. | |
Recipient | 240303 Lieutenant Michael Rex Selous Philips |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Military Cross |
Date of Action | 25 November 1943 |
London Gazette | 23 March 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/5/226 |
On the 25th November at Vandria Lieutenant Philips was leading his patrol when he spotted a German patrol of six men approaching his position. His orders were to secure a prisoner, so urgently needed at this time. As Lieutenant Philips was some way ahead of his patrol he quickly appreciated that any further movement by them might disclose his intention. Realising the urgency of his mission he crawled to with a few yards of the enemy. He then threw a grenade which failed to explode. Notwithstanding the fact that surprise was now lost and that he was exposed to the fire of the six Germans he charged the party single-handed, killing two wounding one and capturing a fourth. The remainder got away. As a result of this officer’s great coolness and daring in the face of the enemy valuable identifications were obtained which later proved to be of utmost value to higher authority. On several occasions previously Lieutenant Philips has shown outstanding courage and bravery in action. | |
Recipient | 5344959 A/Company Serjeant Major Walter Quaife |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Distinguished Conduct Medal |
Date of Action | 25 February 1944 |
London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/6/169 |
In the operations involved to supply his company in the La Cogna wadi, Sergeant Quaife showed the most conspicuous gallantry in his capacity as A/CQMS. On the night 25th February 1944, he was in charge of his company's supply vehicles. On being informed that the route was clear, the column proceeded to move up meanwhile; the enemy counterattacked in strength and recaptured the house which commanded the supply route. As the house was approached, the enemy opened fire and attacked the column. Fierce hand-to-hand fighting ensued, in which two vehicles were immobilised and several of our men hit. Sergeant Quaife, quickly taking stock of the situation, shouted to the drivers to turn their vehicles round; then, without thought of personal, danger, he ran towards the enemy and engaged them with his Thompson submachine gun, in the first surprise knocking out the machine gun, killing one and wounding two of its team. He remained in position engaging the enemy to the left, and then when his vehicles had turned round, led them back. It was undoubtedly owing to his prompt action and selfless courage that the vehicles and supplies were prevented from falling into enemy hands. The following night it was decided in any event to dump the supplies near the house so that they could be secured by a fighting patrol, should the enemy still be in possession on arrival. Sergeant Quaife went forward himself with one man to discover if the house was in our hands. As he approached a group of Germans sprang for him. He forced himself free and jumped into a ditch, and opened fire with his Thompson submachine gun. He ordered the man with him to return to the vehicles and tell them to go back without him when all the supplies were dumped. He himself with the greatest selfless courage remained by the house, firing at the enemy with intent to draw attention to himself to allow the supplies to be dumped and the vehicles to get away. Only when satisfied that this was done, did he move back himself alone on foot. On these occasions, which are typical of his conduct throughout the recent fighting, Sergeant Quaife showed a constant undauntable courage, and complete willingness to sacrifice himself to further the success of the object in hand. | |
Recipient | 126448 T/Captain Charles Alexander Robson |
Regiment | Royal Berkshire Regiment |
Award | Military Cross |
Date of Action | 29 October 1943 |
London Gazette | 23 March 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/5/223 |
On 29th October 1943, the battalion was ordered to capture Hill 332 northwest of Teano. Captain Robson, who commanded one of the leading companies, soon met strong opposition from three enemy machine gun positions, well established on the forward slopes and at close range. He had only one other officer in the company. The artillery support had ceased at that time. Captain Robson promptly went up to his leading platoon under heavy fire and with complete disregard of personal safety ordered the platoon to give fire support. He then went over to his right forward platoon and personally led it, intending to close with the enemy round the right flank. On reaching a position 100 yards from the enemy he came under more close fire from a post further to his right. He immediately ordered the platoon to give additional fire support while he went to assemble the last platoon which was commanded by a Corporal. He led this platoon to the right rear of the enemy machine gun positions and when within fifty yards he personally led a bayonet charge, silencing the machine guns, killing three and capturing four Germans. He then continued his advance against the remaining German machine gun positions which his men over-ran, capturing six more prisoners. In all his company killed six and captured ten enemy, besides capturing three machine guns. Throughout the action Captain Robson displayed a very high standard of bravery and coolness; much of the success achieved can be attributed to his own personal gallantry and inspiring example. | |
Recipient | 260190 Captain Ferdinand Zangen |
Regiment | Royal Army Medical Corps |
Award | Military Cross |
Date of Action | 22 February 1944 |
London Gazette | 20 July 1944 |
TNA File | WO 373/6/515 |
On 22nd February 1944 on the Anzio beachhead the remnants of 10th The Royal Berkshire Regiment were holding a locality in the La Cogna wadi which included a house known as ‘Rap House’. During the evening, this house was captured by the enemy who established themselves both in it and in the immediate vicinity. It was known that some wounded Berkshiremen had been carried into the house. Captain Zangen the Regimental Medical Officer decided that he would go forward to see if he could reach and treat the wounded men. Accompanied only by his orderly, he went forward across some 400 yards of ground which, at the time was being continually swept by machine gun fire. As he neared the house, and in spite of the fact that he was wearing his medical arm band, the enemy opened fire at him with a Spandau. Completely undeterred, Captain Zangen walked calmly forward and reached the house. Casualties on both sides were, continually being brought into the house and Captain Zangen decided to stay there to help and treat the casualties. The house now changed hands four times in two days and on at least two occasions was engaged by our own and enemy AP Guns. Finally, when the house was retaken by our own infantry on the 26th, he refused to leave until he was certain that all casualties, both British and German, had been safely evacuated. During the whole period Captain Zangen displayed courage and selflessness of the highest order. Always cheerful and completely unruffled, he steadied all around him and was undoubtedly responsible for saving many valuable lives. By his forceful manner while in the house, he browbeat the enemy into allowing him to evacuate British casualties to the British lines, despite their original intention to take the whole party prisoner. His bravery and devotion to duty, in this battle is only in keeping with his previous bearing during the Italian Campaign. | |