V.C. FOR BRITISH OFFICER

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23802, 23 November 1942, Page 5

V.C. FOR BRITISH OFFICER

GERMAN TANK ATTACKS REPULSED LONDON, Nov. 20. The Victoria Cross has been awarded to Major (Temporary LieutenantColonel) V. B. Turner, of the Rifle Brigade, for gallantry in Egypt. Major Turner led a battalion of the Rifle Brigade on the night of October 27 for 4000 yards through difficult country to their objective, where 40 German prisoners were captured. He then organised the captured position for allround defence. From 5.30 a.m. until 7 p.m. his battalion was unsupported and isolated from ammunition replenishments. It was attacked by 90 German tanks, which advanced in successive waves. All the attacks were repulsed with a loss to the enemy of 35 tanks, which were in flames, and at least 20 more immobilised. Major Turner throughout the action never ceased to go to each part of the front as it was threatened. In one case, finding a solitary six-pounder gun in action—the others being casualties—and manned only by another officer and a sergeant, he acted as the loader, and with them destroyed two tanks. While doing this he was wounded in the head, but refused lil aid until the last tank had been destroyed.