DIEPPE AWARDS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 234, 3 October 1942, Page 5

DIEPPE AWARDS

2 VICTORIA CROSSES

Great Heroism, Daring And Endurance Rec. 2 p.m. RUGBY, Oct. 1. The awards of two Victoria Crosses and 40 other decorations to men who took part in the Dieppe raid have been approved by the King. The Victoria Cross was awarded to Captain 'temporary Major) P. A. Porteous, of the Royal Artillery, who, although early wounded in the action, saved the life of a sergeant by killing a German attacking him. He then crossed open ground covered by withering fire to take command of a unit left without officers. He led his men in a bayonet charge and was again wounded, but continued to the final objective, where he collapsed after the last guns had been destroyed.

The other Victoria Cross has been awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel C. C. I. Merritt, of the South Saskatchewan Regiment, for matchless gallantry and inspiring leadership. His battalion had to cross a bridge in Pourville. The bridge was swept by heavy machine-gun fire and the first parties were mostly destroyed. Lieutenant-Colonel Merritt led the way across shouting: "Come on over. There's nothing to worry about here!"

Later he headed rushes against enemy pillboxes, destroying the occupants of one with hand grenades, which he threw into it. He was twice wounded but continued with great determination and stalked a sniper and silenced him.

When he gave the order to retire he announced that he intended to stay and "get even with the enemy." He was last seen collecting Bren and tommy-guns and preparing a defensive position which successfully covered the withdrawal. He is now reported to be a prisoner of war.

Included in the other awards is that of the Distinguished Service Order for Major-General J. H. Roberts, military commander of the Dieppe operation. Lord Lovat, the Commando leader, also receives the D.S.O.