Men and women from west Wales served in every operational theatre of war during the Second World War, as well as serving in every branch of the armed forces. This page commemorates those from Ceredigion who gained gallantry awards during the conflict. It is very much a work in progress and more details will be added as they become available.
Ceredigion WW2 Heroes
Edgar George Brown, MID, Lieutenant-Commander, Royal Navy. (Aberystwyth). Edgar was mentioned in despatches on 18 May 1945, for courage and skill shown while serving in Eastern waters.
Richard Jones Mildred Caul, MC, Lieutenant, 264927, South Wales Borderers. (Aberystwyth). Richard was the son of William and Jessie Caul, of Rhydyfelin, Aberystwyth. He had been commissioned into the South Wales Borderers on 27 February 1943, but was attached to the 4th Battalion, Welch Regiment. His recommendation for the award of the Military Cross was for the battalions actions at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, and read: ‘For great bravery and devotion to duty. On 22 Oct 1944 Lt Caul was Commanding a Platoon of D Company 4 Welch Regt during the attack on Nuland. The assault took place through intensive enemy machine gun fire and heavy shelling and mortaring. Whilst still some way from the objective Lt Caul was wounded in the leg by enemy machine gun fire. In spite of his wound and with great determination Lt Caul led his platoon forward onto the objective. On reaching the objective Lt Caul under heavy shelling personally reorganised his Platoon and refused to be evacuated for over an hour until he was sure that the Platoon was in a position to withstand a counter-attack. Throughout the action Lt Caul showed great courage and leadership and a complete disregard for his personal safety.’ His award of the Military Cross was published in the London Gazette of 1 March 1945 and was in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe. He died in Torquay on 11 January 1994.
Evelyn Henry Chavasse, DSO, DSC, Lieutenant-Commander, Royal Navy. (Lampeter). Evelyn was already the holder of the Distinguished Service Cross when he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. The award was published in the London Gazette of 3 September 1943 and was for gallantry, skill and devotion to duty in actions’ against enemy submarines while serving in H.M. Ships Broadway, Hesperus, Swale and Hurricane in the escort of convoys.
David James Davies, BEM, Gunner, 4205457, Royal Regiment of Artillery. (Aberystwyth). David’s award of the British Empire Medal was published in the London Gazette of 20 March 1945 and was ‘in recognition of gallant conduct in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner.’ The citation for his award reads: ‘On the 30th October, 1944, Gunner Davies was billeted in ‘s-Hertegenbosch, close to a house which was seen to be burning ferociously. The source of the fire was in the basement and ammunition was exploding inside. The only available entrance to the basement was via a narrow grating. Gunner Davies volunteered to go into the basement and by a relay of buckets from outside, stayed below and got the fire under control. He was in constant danger for forty-five minutes until the fire had abated. By his bravery, a serious fire which may well have been a target for the enemy, was averted.’
Sergeant William Thomas Emanuel, BEM, Sergeant, Home Guard. (Cardigan). William served with the 1st Battalion, Cardiganshire Home Guard. His award of the BEM was published in the London Gazette of 12 December 1944 and was in recognition of Meritorious Service in the Home Guard.
Alwyn Ishmael Evans, BEM, Driver, T/198318, Royal Army Service Corps. (Pontrhydygroes, Ystrad Meurig). Alwyn’s award of the British Empire Medal was published in the London Gazette of 10 July 1942 and was in recognition of gallant conduct in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner. He gained a Bar to his BEM on 24 September 1943. The citation for his second award read: ‘On the 18th May 1943, a parachute mine buried itself completely in the garden of a private house in the immediate vicinity of an Ordnance Factory, and Oxygen Factory, and a Steel Wire Ropes Works at Cardiff. This mine had broken away from its parachute, had crashed through concrete slabs, and completely buried itself. ‘ Alwyn had been one of a two man team who disarmed the mine and made the area safe.
David Morris Evans, MBE, Major, Home Guard. (Cardigan). David’s award of the MBE was published in the London Gazette of 12 December 1944 and was for his service with the 3rd Battalion, Cardigan Home Guard.
Gomer Francis, DCM, 4196571, Lance-Corporal, 6th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers (Parachute Regiment). (Talybont, Cardigan). Gomer served with the 6th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, which had been converted to serve in the Parachute Regiment. His award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal was recommended by his commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Barlow, who wrote: ‘Lance Corporal Francis is NCO IC Signals of B Coy. On 11 Jan 1944, Headquarters B Coy, situated in a house near Arielli, in full view of the enemy, and in a most exposed position, was subjected to intense and accurate shell fire which cut the telephone wires with great regularity. It was vital that line communication should be maintained at this HQ and throughout the day L/Cpl Francis repeatedly went out in view of the enemy, and under heavy shell fire, to repair the lines. His cheerful disposition, devotion to duty, and indifference to danger were not only an example and inspiration to the whole Headquarters, but enabled this company to maintain touch with the rest of the battalion.’ The award was published in the London Gazette of 2 May 1944 and was ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’
Edwin Gilby, MC, Lieutenant, 105870, Royal Artillery. (Cardiganshire). Edwin was the son of Henry and Lucy Gilby and the husband of Jessie Ada Gilbey (nee Violin). He was serving as Sergeant when he was commissioned into the Royal Artillery on 6 January 1940 and was awarded the Military Cross during the retreat to Dunkirk. The award was published in the London Gazette of 11 July 1940 and the citation read: ‘On two occasions, i.e. on 12th and 13th May, his gun position was attacked by formations of enemy aircraft numbering over 30 in low level bombing. His example and disregard of danger was an inspiration to all ranks, and although over 200 bombs were dropped, no casualties were suffered, and he kept his guns in action throughout.’ He was evacuated off the beaches of Dunkirk and returned safely to England, before embarking for the Far East with 15 Battery, 6 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment. Edwin was captured by the Japanese when they invaded the Dutch East Indies and died in captivity in Japan on 23 January 1943, aged 37. He is commemorated on the Yokohama Cremation Memorial, Japan.
Evan Ronald Hayward, MM, Gunner, 925958, Royal Regiment of Artillery. (Lampeter). Evan served with 146 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, which, along with the 102nd Field Regiment, had been formed from the old Pembroke Yeomanry regiment. The Regiment landed at Suez in September 1942, joining the Eighth Army and participated in the Battle of El Alamein, as part of the 7th Armoured Division’s Artillery Group, before taking part in the invasion of Italy. The citation for Evan’s award of the Military Medal read: ‘On 10 Dec 43, during the attack on Rocca D’Evandro, Gnr Hayward was one of the party with the forward observation officer working with D Coy, 1 London Scottish, who were carrying out the final attack. Gnr Hayward was ordered to man a relay station with a wireless set at Camino to re-transmit messages back from the FOO, whose set with the forward company was not powerful enough to carry the whole distance. This was the only means of communication back from the forward troops. Owing to bad wireless conditions, Gnr Hayward had to take up a completely exposed position on the roof of a house. Camino, a small village, was subjected to frequent and accurate shelling throughout the day, but Gnr Hayward manned his set alone all day, and by his devotion to duty and disregard for his own safety, succeeded in maintaining this vital link in the chain of communications.’ His award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 22 August 1944 and was ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’ When 7th Armoured returned to England from Italy in 1944 to prepare for the Normandy landings, the regiment was also converted to medium artillery before landing in Normandy in July 1944, gaining the nickname of the ‘Fishguard Express’.
Bertram Frank Holloway, MID, Warrant Aircraft Officer, Royal Navy. (Aberystwyth). Bertram was mentioned in despatches on 7 January 1944: ‘For gallantry in air operations during the landings at Salerno, while operating from, or serving in, H.M. Ships Battler and Hunter.’
The Reverend John Morgan Glyn James, BA, MBE, Chaplain Fourth Class, 188508, Royal Army Chaplains’ Department (Llanon). John served with the Royal Army Chaplains Department, and was attached to 5 Corps Signals in Italy when he was recommended for the award of the MBE. The citation read: ‘During the whole time he has been with this unit, but particularly in the last offensive in Italy, this Chaplain has been indefatigable in his efforts to assist all. He has never spared himself at any time. The difficulties imposed by the great distances to be covered, the number of small detachment’s to be visited and the action of the enemy seemed to serve as but a further incentive. Often, he was to be found with line sections at work in the forward areas. His devotion to duty, example and sincerity have been of outstanding benefit to this unit.’ His award of the MBE was published in the London Gazette of 11 December 1945 and was ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’
Roland Makeig James, MM, Sergeant, 905969, Royal Regiment of Artillery (Cardigan). Roland’s award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 23 November 1943 and was; ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East:’
Tom Clement Jenkins, BEM, Leading Air Fitter (E), FAA/FX.82161, Fleet Air Arm. (Tremain, Cardigan). Tom’s award of the British Empire Medal was published in the London Gazette of 25 February 1944 and was: ‘for untiring zeal and energy in the repair and maintenance of aircraft in H.M.S. Formidable during operations in Sicily and Southern Italy.’
Eric Gordon Jones, MBE, Major, 112319, Royal Army Service Corps. (Devil’s Bridge). Eric served with 65 Company (Armoured Brigade), Royal Army Service Corps. The citation for the award of his MBE read: ‘Major Jones, who has commanded 65 Coy RASC (Armd Bde), for the past 2 ½ years, has contributed a most decisive part to the efficiency of the maintenance of 7 Armd Bde during the past 12 months in Italy. When Armoured Regts have been under command of various formations it has been the entire responsibility of Major Jones to ensure that they were maintained at all times. Never once have the fighting troops had to look over their shoulders for supplies and ammunition, and this is entirely due to the cheerfulness, dynamic drive and flexibility of outlook of Major Jones. During the period of 1 Apr-2 May 45 the Bds was working with 2 Polish Corps. On 18 Apr orders were given at 14.00 hrs, that 400 rounds per gun had to be dumped at the Gun lines at Medecina for the support of the New Zealand Div crossing of the Giano Canal. Major Jones and his company were at Imola when these orders were received- a distance of 17 miles. Although it appeared improbable that the rounds could be collected and delivered to the Gun lines in time for the barrage, this feat was accomplished by 17.30 hrs the same evening, and a further 400 rounds per gun were collected and delivered by 21.00 hrs the same night. Time and time again tasks which at first appeared impossible to fulfil were cheerfully accepted and vigorously carried out. This was only accomplished by the tireless energy and the direct supervision of his transport platoons, which necessitated working day and night without sleep for many periods.’ His award of the MBE was published in the London Gazette of 11 December 1945 and was ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’
Evan Lewis Jones, MM, Sergeant, 912319, Royal Artillery. (Llanbadarn). Evan served with the 146th Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery, which along with the 102nd Field Regiment, had been formed from the old Pembroke Yeomanry regiment. The Regiment landed at Suez in September 1942, joining the Eighth Army and participated in the Battle of El Alamein, as part of the 7th Armoured Division’s Artillery Group, before taking part in the invasion of Italy. When 7th Armoured returned to England from Italy in 1944 to prepare for the Normandy landings, the regiment was also converted to medium artillery before landing in Normandy in July 1944, gaining the nickname of the ‘Fishguard Express’. Evan’s award of the Military Medal was recommended by his CO, Lieutenant Colonel Bibra, and read: ‘In the early hours of the morning of the 25th July 1944 at Mondeville, a very heavy air raid on the regimental area was carried out with anti-personnel bombs and strafing. At the start of the air raid the regiment was engaged on a harassing fire task. An ammunition dump about 40 yards behind Sgt. Jones’ gun caught fire. Sgt Jones immediately ran to the dump and with the assistance of two members of his detachment succeeded in getting the fire under control. It was purely as a result of his quickness and initiative that the whole dump of about 50 rounds of HE did not explode damaging the gun and drawing close attention of the enemy aircraft to the position. His prompt action undoubtedly saved casualties on his troop position. During the whole of Sgt Jones’ action aircraft were dropping anti-personnel bombs and were straffing the area.’ His award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 19 October 1944 and was for ‘Northwest Europe.’
Evan Llewellyn Jones, MC, Lieutenant, 151641, 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment. (Aberystwyth). Evan served with the 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment. His award of the Military Cross was recommended by his CO, Lieutenant Colonel Brooke, and read: ‘On 10 Sep 44, Lt Jones was ordered to capture and hold La Meghino; an isolated and exposed position against which two company attacks had already failed earlier that day. Owing to casualties and enemy pressure, only a Platoon of 17 men could be made available for the task. Lt Jones took and held the objective against all enemy counter measures until relieved 24 hours later. By his own personal efforts he captured 11 POW, destroyed an enemy 81mm mortar and directed artillery fire resulting in heavy casualties to the enemy. The success of this operation was entirely due to Lt Jones personal efforts and gallantry.’ His award of the Military Cross was published in the London Gazette of 8 March 1945.
John Isaac Jones, MBE, Warrant Officer II, 750451, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. (Aberystwyth). John served with 16 Base WS, REME. His award of the MBE was recommended by his CO, who wrote: ‘An untiring & conscientious worker who during the past year has been assisting in the organisation & control of the Tank Engine Shop. His ceaseless efforts did much to enable the department concerned to fulfil the large demands of tank engines which it was called upon to produce during the final phases of the operations in Italy.’ His award of the MBE was published in the London Gazette of 11 December 1945 and was ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy.’
David Richard King, MC, Lieutenant, 224232, North Irish Horse. (Cardigan). David served with the North Irish Horse, which was an armoured unit attached to the 8th Indian Division. He was recommended for the Military Cross by his CO, Lieutenant Colonel Llewellen-Palmer, DSO, MC, who wrote: ‘On 23 Apr 45 Lieut King commanded 3 Tp, C Sqn, N.I.H. and was in support of the RWK of 21 Inf Bde, in an attack from the Canale La Sacca to the Po. A large number of enemy were in position in front of his objective and a number of enemy vehicles were in the area preparing to attempt a crossing of the Po or to move East to join the powerful enemy bridgehead facing 8 Ind Div and 78 Div. Although the country was extremely open and afforded no natural cover, Lieut King pushed on with great determination and dash, often travelling a considerable distance in front of his supporting Inf. He was able to get behind the enemy positions and engaged them so effectively that the enemy who were not killed, surrendered without causing our Infantry any trouble. He actually reached his objective, the Po, at 1045 hrs and was the first 8th Army tanks to do so. It was largely due to his great determination and initiative that the op was such a success and that such a large number of POW, enemy vehicles and equipment were captured by the Infantry. This action sealed off the pocket North of Ferrara from its main crossing places and thus ensured the destruction or capture of another large enemy force.’ His award of the Military Cross was published in the London Gazette of 21 August 1945.
John Powell Middlehurst, MID, Flying Officer, 41605, Royal Air Force. (Aberystwyth). John was the son of Richard Foster Middlehurst and Dorothy Elizabeth Middlehurst, of Aberystwyth, and the husband of Joan Middlehurst. He served in 113 Squadron, Royal Air Force, during which time he was mentioned in despatches. In the summer of 1941 the squadron was based in north Africa and were equipped with the Bristol Blenheim. Duties ranged from strafing enemy convoys, bombing airfields and enemy harbours. John was killed when his aircraft was lost on a mission on 2 July 1941, aged 21. He is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Egypt. John had been mentioned in despatches during the war.
Henry Walter Minal, MM, Lance-Corporal, 5572198, The Wiltshire Regiment (Duke of Edinburgh’s). (Aberystwyth). Henry served with the 2nd Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment. His award of the Military Medal was recommended by his CO, Lieutenant Colonel Hefford, DSO, who wrote: ‘On 3 Jun 44 During C Coys attack on Pt.51, N.W. of Ardea (786349) the Coy sustained twelve casualties moving across the flat open ground from their F.U.R. to the objective. This ground was continually swept by MG fire and was shelled and mortared. L/Cpl Minal is in charge of C Coy S.B. and he could have waited until the assault went in before collecting these twelve wounded men. On his own initiative, however, he took one S.B. forward and collected all the wounded. When the objective was taken and subjected to more intense Mortar, shell and MG fire- L/Cpl Minal again went forward, working among the leading troops and collected a further twelve wounded men, carrying them back over 400 yds of open ground to his collecting post in a gully. Within two hours of the objective being taken L/Cpl Minal and his S.B.s had collected, treated and evacuated twenty-eight wounded. Then despite being in a state of exhaustion he went out to search for further wounded and brought in six men who had been killed. This NCO’s cool courage, disregard of his own safety and great devotion to duty are highly praiseworthy and resulted in the quick evacuation of casualties. His efforts enabled a quick check of every man in his Coy to be made before nightfall.’ His award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 19 September 1944. He died on 25 January 1992, aged 73.
David James Davis Owen, MID, Temporary Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. (Aberystwyth). David was mentioned in despatches on 17 December 1943: ‘For gallant and distinguished services and untiring devotion to duty in operations which led to the capture of Sicily by Allied forces.’
Robert Lancelot Paterson, MC, Captain, 73838, The Border Regiment. (Aberystwyth). Robert served with the 4th Battalion, The Border Regiment. His award of the Military Cross was recommended by his CO, and read: ‘As Officer IC 55 Column (4th Borders) Administration his untiring efforts endured that at no time during the campaign did anyone miss a single meal or was anyone short of essential equipment. The beneficial effect on fitness and morale was inestimable. From 27 June 1944 to 10 July 1944 this officer commanded a force of two platoons which operating in the area of Wermul drove the Japs from 3 villages, killed 41 Japs and captured 15 Japs and 14 Mules. A large number of Japs were wounded, our casualties were 1 killed and 2 wounded. He led all attacks personally and did all the reconnaissances. At all times he showed complete disregard for his own safety. His drive, leadership and resource were a fine example to all ranks. His award of the Military Cross was published in the London Gazette of 26 June 1945 and was ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Burma.’ He died on 8 February 1995, aged 76.
The Reverend Kenneth Arthur Puntan, BA, OBE, Chaplain Third Class, 52326, Royal Army Chaplains’ Department. (Lampeter). Kenneth served with the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department and was attached to 1st Corps HQ. His award of the Order of the British Empire was recommended by General Crerar, CO of 1st Corps, and read: ‘Rev Puntan has rendered outstanding service as DACG HQ 1st Corps during the past six months of active service. His personal influence and leadership, as well as his practical organising ability, in his area department have been of a high order. Devoting himself energetically and with impressive sincerity to his primary duties as a Chaplain, he has done great work for the material as well as the spiritual welfare of the troops in his charge. By example as well as precept he has made, in his own sphere, a notable contribution to the success of our endeavours.’ His award of the OBE was published in the London Gazette of 27 March 1945 and was ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North-West Europe.’ He became Assistant Chaplain, Southern Command after the war and was recommended for the CBE by Brigadier Craddock in 1956 and the award was published in the New Year’s Honours list of 1957. He died on 5 April 1976, aged 72 and is buried in Freshwater, Isle of Wight.
Terence Michael Rourke, MC, Lieutenant, 315734, Royal Norfolk Regiment. (Cardigan). Terence served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment. His award of the Military Cross was recommended by his CO, and read: ‘To enable the Bn to carry out an assault crossing of the Molenbeek, 2/Lt Rourke was detailed to carry out a recce of the Beek on the afternoon of 15 Oct in order to decide its width and depth, select a crossing place for kapok and discover the enemy opposition before the Bn assaulted at dawn 16 Oct. The distance between our FDLs and the Beek was some 400 yards. 2/Lt Rourke with two men of his platoon carried out their task completely. The intervening ground was under enemy observation and throughout the patrol they were subjected to observed enemy fire from Mortar and MG. Snipers were very active but this officer led his patrol over unknown ground with great determination and skill bringing back the information required on which the successful future plan was based. At 0400 hrs 16 Oct, the following morning, this officer again led a fighting patrol to protect the bridging party, lay tapes and get back across the Beek to establish a protective screen whilst the bridge was launched and the leading coy got across. Again he was completely successful, disposing of an enemy patrol on the way and thereby ensuring the success of the operation. In view of the short time available this officer had no time to rest between his two exploits. He showed remarkable courage, skill and leadership on both occasions, his determination being most marked and the success of the Bn attack was largely due to his undaunted devotion to duty under the most appalling weather conditions.’ His award of the Military Cross was published in the London Gazette of 27 February 1945. He was killed during the drive across the German frontier on 1 March 1945, aged 24 and is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.
David John Thomas, BA, BD, OBE, Chaplain, Royal Navy. (Lampeter). David was the son of The Reverend William Dynevor Thomas and Gwenllian Thomas, of Lampeter. After studying for his B.A. at Lampeter, he became a Chaplain with the Royal Navy, and resided with his wife, Mary Irene Thomas, at Northampton. David served at HMS Pembroke. He died at the Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital Woolston of heart failure and colitis on 23 July 1946, aged 44, and is buried at Northampton (Billing Road) Cemetery. He had been awarded the OBE during the war.
Geoffrey Herbert Thomas, MM, Bombardier, 927033, Royal Regiment of Artillery. (Llanbadarn). Geoffrey served with the 146th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, which, along with the 102nd Field Regiment, had been formed from the old Pembroke Yeomanry regiment. The Regiment landed at Suez in September 1942, joining the Eighth Army and participated in the Battle of El Alamein, as part of the 7th Armoured Division’s Artillery Group. His award of the Military Medal was recommended by his CO, and read: ‘This NCO is the NCO I/C Signals of his Troop. His devotion to duty and indifference to personal danger are outstanding. During the series of engagements in Feb 43 which culminated in the capture of Fumm Tatahouine he laid the telephone line on three separate occasions under intense small arms fire, and continued to maintain it also under heavy fire. His conduct was an inspiration to those signallers under his command.’ His award of the Military Medal was published in the London Gazette of 12 October 1943 and was ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East.’
David Glyn Williams, MID, Cook (S), D/MX.85335, Royal Navy. (Lampeter). David was mentioned in despatches on 28 July 1944 for outstanding courage, leadership, resource and determination during the assault on Anzio and in subsequent bombardments in support of the Army, and in maintaining an unbroken flow of supplies which accomplished the building up of the beach-head despite bombing, mining and bombardment by shore batteries.
David John Williams, OBE, Master, Merchant Navy. (Aberystwyth). David was the son of David Williams, and of Annie Williams, of Aberystwyth. He was a long serving Mariner, and had been awarded the Lloyd’s Medal for lifesaving at sea, and also created an Officer of the British Empire. David served as Master of the SS Empire Tower, a London registered cargo steamer. On 5 March 1943, she was on route from Huelva and Gibraltar for Middlesbrough when she was torpedoed by the German submarine U-130, and sunk with the loss of 38 lives. David was 38 years old when he died that day, and is commemorated alongside his crew on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.
Thomas Edward Williams, DCM, Sergeant, 4205790, Royal Regiment of Artillery. (Aberystwyth). Thomas served with 158 Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Division. His award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal was recommended by his Brigade Major and read: ‘On 10 Apr 45 Sjt TE Williams was in charge of an OP deployed in support of a battalion attacking Rethem. At approx. 1400 hrs, Sjt Williams went forward under heavy 20mm and small arms fire to recce a new OP in front of forward infantry platoon. On completion of recce, he was returning to meet the remainder of his party when he was attracted by movement from a nearby house. He approached the house and discovered enemy in an emplacement in the garden. By shouting orders to himself he created the impression that he was leading a patrol, and he approached the entrance to the emplacement and demanded their surrender. Six fully armed German Marines emerged and before they had time to realise that Sjt Williams was quite alone he had them doubling back to the nearest platoon some 500 yds away. Having disposed of the Marines, he established his OP which was heavily engaged by small arms and shelling by SP guns, two of which approached within 1000 yds. During this time the OP received two direct hits from the SP guns and Sjt Williams was wounded in the head. In spite of his wounds Sjt Williams continued to transmit info which enabled these SP guns and other active Flak guns to be successfully engaged. He showed complete disregard for personal danger and his initiative and courage were an outstanding example to the remainder of his party.’ His award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal was published in the London Gazette of 10 July 1945 and was ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe.’
Edward Kendrick Woodhouse, MBE, Lieutenant (acting. Major), 72635, Royal Regiment of Artillery. (Aberystwyth). Edward served with the 7th Light Anti-Aircraft Brigade, Royal Artillery and was attached to the 4th Searchlight Regiment. His award of the Member of the British Empire was recommended by his CO, Lieutenant Colonel Hammond, and read: ‘During the voyage in HMS City of Calcutta from Alexandria to Malta, this Officer displayed great courage and set a magnificent example to other troops on board. The ship was repeatedly attacked, on 17, 18, 19 June 1942 and narrowly missed being hit by bombs. This officer showed the greatest coolness in the face of heavy bombing, and commanded his troops with skill. Major Woodhouse was embodied in July 39 and acted as Adjutant to the 65th LAA Regt from Dec 41 to Jun 42, and he has been OC 484 ST Bty since that date. His work has always been of the highest order, and he has contributed largely to the efficiency of both units.’ His award of the MBE was published in the London Gazette of 16 February 1943 and was ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East during the period May, 1942 to October, 1942.’ He died on 22 February 1981, aged 67.