POSTHUMOUS V.C.

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 135, 9 June 1945, Page 6

POSTHUMOUS V.C.

AWARD FOR DARING FEAT

RUGBY, June 7.

The V.C. has been awarded posthumously to a Coldstream Guards officer who by, disconnecting demolition charges on a river bridge while in full view of the enemy and under heavy fire, enabled his company, to capture the bridge intact. The officer, Captain I. A. Liddell, who died of wounds subsequently received in action, was commanding a company which was*ordered to capture intact a bridge over the River Ems near Lingeh.

"The bridge was covered on the far bank," says the citation, "by a strong enemy strong-point, which was subsequently discovered to consist of 150 enemy infantry supported by-three 88mm and two 20mm guns. The bridge was-also prepared ..for demolition with 5001b bombs which could plainly be seen. Having directed two leading platoons on to the near bank. Captain Liddell ran forward alone to the bridge and scaled a 10-feet 'high road block with the intention of neutralising the charges. He had to cross the whole length of the bridge under intense fire, which increased as his object became apparent to the enemy. Having disconnected* the charges on the far side, he crossed and cut the wires on the near side.' He had to kneel, forming an easy target. He discovered charges underneath the bridge and disconnected these,, too. Then he climbed on to the road block in full view of the enemy and signalled the leading platoon to advance. The bridge was captured intact and the way cleared to advance across the Ems."

The citation adds: "His outstanding gallantry, superb example, and courage will never be forgotten by those who saw it."—B.O.W.