Major’s Bravery

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21417, 10 May 1941, Page 10

Major’s Bravery

GREAT ODDS DEFIED MANY PRISONERS TAKEN COURAGE OF N.C.O. (Official Wireless) (Received May 10, 3.15 p.m.) r. RUGBY, May 9 An instance of how one man’s individual courage and ability can materially affect large-scale operations is seen in the award of the D.S.C. to Major (temporary Lieu-tenant-Colonel) J. M. S. Renton, of a Rifle Brigade. This officer, the official announcement states, held a line 3£ miles long and defended only by three and a-half companies of infantry and one battery for 36 hours against great odds. Four separate night attacks and several attacks by day, all supported by artillery fire and led by medium tanks, were beaten off, and eventually 15,000 of the enemy, including generals and their staffs, were made prisoners. In addition 27 medium tanks and large numbers of guns, Bren guns and armoured cars were destroyed. Major Renton displayed great ability in the selection of the position to be held and in the use of cover and cross-fire and in expert tactical handling of the situation as it developed. His personal courage in difficult circumstances was a splendid example to the men under his command. Further Awards Further awards to United Kingdom and Australian personnel in the same list include three D.S.O.’s, one bar to a M.C., two M.C.’s, four D.C.M.’s, one bar to a M.M., and eight M.M.’s. Typical of Australian gallantry is that of J. M. McWilliam, of the military forces, who received the M.M. “McWilliam,” it is stated, “was in charge of a party disarming booby traps and anti-tank mines on the night before an attack. When the party came under fire he instructed his men to lie down and went forward alone, disarming some 40 mines before returning and bringing his men safely back to their assembly position. . Party Led Forward “At zero hour he led his party forward with the advancing infantry, combining and clearing safe lanes for the tanks when the wire gaps had been blown. The qualities of courage and leadership shown by this n.c.o. were an inspiration to all who saw him, and contributed largely to the successful preparation of the defences.”