Kennedy, L/Cpl Frank Dawson, 7903320, C Squadron, North Irish Horse.
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Award of the Military medal. Recommendation received at Brigade 10/3/43 and recorded in the London Gazette of 4/5/43.
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'On Thursday 4 MAR a small detachment of North Irish Horse tanks were operating in the area of Sedjenane with orders to cover the withdrawal of the 6 LINCOLNSs and 1 Commando. A F.O.O. had been given the use of one of these tanks. At approximately 1400 hours this tank was hit by mortar fire; the F.O.O. killed, the gunner wounded and the second driver badly wounded. The first driver had been killed in an earlier action.
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'L/Cpl Kennedy, who was in a tank 100 yards away, immediately volunteered to drive the F.O.O.'s tank out of action. He crossed this 100 yards under heavy mortar fire, entered the tank and managed to make a difficult turn in the road, with no one dismounted to give him guiding signals. He then drove the tank back to rejoin the detachment commander.
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'By his coolness and determination under heavy fire he undoubtedly saved the tank from possible capture.'
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Notes
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1) F.O.O. stands for Forward Observation Officer, a member of the Royal Artillery, It’s possible this officer was Lt F G M Hooper, who was the only 70th Field Regiment officer killed on this day. His CWGC record is as follows:
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Hooper, Lt Francis Geoffrey Morgan, 200619. Died 4/3/43, serving with the 70th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Aged not recorded by CWGC. Son of Mr and Mrs H M Hooper, of Elmswell, Suffolk. Massicault War Cemetery, Tunisia, VI L 14.
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However, it’s also possible that the casualty was a member of the 5th Medium Regiment, who were also engaged in the battle. Further details requested.
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2) Total North Irish Horse casualties at Sedjenane on 4/3/43 were four Other Ranks killed and five Other Ranks wounded. See this external site:
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http://northirishhorse.net/wwII/diary/1943-3.html (dead link in 2023)
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NEXT PAGE: In the Bag, Prison Ship at Ferryville
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