'Company Sergeant Major WILSON who has always shown real powers of leadership, courage and determination, came into his own at once. He directed the Company (less a platoon) over to the left. At that moment the enemy started to shell the area having registered it the day before. Company Sergeant Major WILSON continued to direct operations. He sent the men off to join the left platoon. He organised the evacuation of the wounded. Company Sergeant Major WILSON stayed forward for two hours and then slipped back. He satisfied himself that all wounded had been evacuated. The information he brought back greatly assisted the 2/4th Btn THE KING'S OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY to attack later that night. The way in which Company Sergeant Major WILSON controlled two thirds of the Company was an example to all ranks. I most strongly recommend this Warrant Offficer for the immediate award of a Distinguished Conduct Medal.' Recommended by Lieut Colonel J C Preston, Comd 16th Bn The Durham Light Infantry.
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SAUNDERS, Pte (A/Cpl) Jack 4694485 MM
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'On 13th September 1943, Corporal SAUNDERS (then a Lance Corporal) was commanding a section in B Company, 16th Btn THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY. The Company had moved forward during the night and had been involved in confused street fighting on the outskirts of Salerno. When it was light he was ordered to proceed with two men to locate Battalion Headquarters and also contact troops on the left flank. He found Battalion Headquarters and then returned, having been sniped at en route. He then set off and succeeded in contacting troops on the left. The same night Corporal SAUNDERS volunteered to proceed with a fighting patrol who were given the task of getting an enemy identification from a position known to be strongly held. During the patrol he set a splendid example, combining coolness and the offensive spirit. A clash with an enemy patrol occurred and Corporal SAUNDERS was blown down a 6 ft bank by the shock of the explosion of an enemy grenade. He immediately went in with his tommy gun and killed the German who threw the grenade. He assisted to cover the withdrawal of the patrol and during the return journey again showed great coolness in spite of being handicapped by a damaged ankle. The example and leadership of the young NCO in my opinion warrants an immediate award of a Military Medal.' Recommended by Lieut Colonel J C Preston, Comd 16th Bn The Durham Light Infantry. (Military Medal now on display at the DLI Museum)
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LEWINDON, Cpl John 5951827 MM
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'On the night of 14th/15th September 1943, Corporal LEWINDON was commanding a section in 18 Platoon of D Company, 16th Bn THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY. This section were giving local protection to a machine gun sited on top of a feature overlooking the hospital North of Salerno. During the night, about 2200 hours, an enemy patrol of 10 men worked their way up and tried to rush the position. The enemy were temporarily checked and then Corporal Lewindon went at them with his tommy gun killing two and scattering the remainder. His prompt action and courage restored the situation, heartened his section and allowed the machine gun to remain in position. I recommend this young NCO be given the immediate award of a Military Medal.' Recommended by Lieut Colonel J C Preston, Comd 16th Bn The Durham Light Infantry.
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DUFFY, WS/Lt (T/Captain) 219902 MC
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'On the evening of 15th September 1943, D Company, 16th Bn THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY were in position on a feature close to the hospital on the outskirts of Salerno. The Company had been in action for 48 hours and had incurred some casualties. At approximately 1915 hours, the enemy put in a strong attack with 90 to 100 men supported by mortar fire. Captain F DUFFY, who was commanding D Company, and has trained it in NORTH AFRICA, had the majority of the Company held back on the reverse slope. The enemy reached the top after suffering casualties and then Captain DUFFY, leading his Company, put in his counter-attack
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NEXT PAGE, CONTINUED
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