“BEYOND ALL PRAISE”

Timaru Herald, Volume CL, Issue 22063, 9 September 1941, Page 5

“BEYOND ALL PRAISE”

Gallantry Of Young

Officer

Middle East Awards

British Official Wireless (Rec. 9.22 p.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 7. Coolness and tenacity in the face of sudden, terrific and blinding showers of bombs during an operation in the Middle East contributed to the award of the Military Cross to Second-Lieu-tenant Alan Young, Royal Garwhal Rifles, Indian Army, whose exploit is described with others in a War Office bulletin.

“This officer,” it seated, “was in command of two platoons of his company which were ordered to attack by night an enemy position on a bald hill spur. The position was found to be much stronger than they thought, but nevertheless Young crawled through the wire to reconnoitre and directed the platoons to follow quietly. The enemy sangar was located and dispositions were made to attack it from two sides. The left platoon was heard and sudden, terrific blinding showers of bombs were hurled causing some confusion. The platoon on the right was simultaneously attacked from further sangars which had remained unlocated, and the Italians commenced to rush the survivors, a critical situation developing. Young rose magnificently to the occasion. He collected the Jemadar and a few men of the right platoon and organised a countercharge. He himself shot two of the enemy with his revolver. The Jemadar bayoneted two more and further casualties were caused by bombs and machine-guns which then came into action. “In the face of this determination the enemy incontinently fled. The platoons had by then had 20 casualties and were on a very exposed slope, being fired on by machine-gun and rifle fire from the bald hill and an adjacent knoll. In spite of this, and although he had been hit by small pieces of bombs, Young, in compliance with orders to attract as much enemy attention as possible, remained in the vicinity for a further 45 minutes, firing -at various enemy machine-gun posts which were shooting down on him. He only withdrew when all the wounded had been completely cleared and bls task completed in every detail. His skill, coolness, courage and determination were beyond all praise.”

Assisted Guardman to Safety

Perilous operations at Halfaya Pass are also described in relation to the award of the M.C. to Lieutenant (temporary Captain) J. R. C. White, Royal Artillery. "Captain White was in command of a troop of anti-tank guns supporting the two forward companies of Goldstream Guards in a rearguard position at the foot of Halfaya Pass on May 26 this year. During the afternoon of the 26th and the morning of the 27th when the enemy was attacking and his fire of all arms was heavy in this extremely open and overlooked position, this officer continually crossed the 2000 yards of front in order to control his sections. In the actual withdrawal White held his position until very late and although the enemy were close and machine-gun fire was heavy and several of his own men had been hit he Insisted on delaying in order to help a guardsman back to his own transport. This he continued to do right back to battalion headquarters. His courage and coolness set a fine example in a difficult situation, and he undoubtedly saved many guardsmen from capture or becoming casualties.”

Courage Under Heavy Fire

Courage in the face of point blank rifle and machine-gun fire gained the Military Medal for Private G. Stephens, Worcestershire Regiment. “On May 5, during an attack on Amba Alagi, this soldier, with another, was selected to go forward to remove a knife rest blockading the road going through the enemy wire so that his platoon could advance. The knife rest and the approach of some 50 yards to it was in full view of the enemy position on a hill 300 yards away and was covered by his guns. Before he could reach the road block, heavy enemy machine-gun and sniper - fire was opened on the road and on the block itself. In spite of this Stephens and his companion succeeded in getting forward, cutting the wire and freeing the road block.”