大象传媒

Introduction

This article has been submitted by Joseph Ritson, a volunteer story-gatherer for the 大象传媒 鈥淧eople鈥檚 War鈥� website on behalf of the 大象传媒 Radio Cumbria CSV Action Desk. The author has read and understands the terms of the 鈥淧eople鈥檚 War鈥� website.

At the Royal British Legion, Main Street, Egremont, Cumbria the photographs, citations and in some cases the medals of some people with local connections are on display. One of these is Captain L.E. Queripel, who was in fact originally a Dorsetshire man.

Captain Queripel was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross at the age of 24 for the highest standard of gallantry during the Battle of Arnhem. His photograph, and some medals take pride of place in the main Functions Room at Egremont British Legion, including a replica Victoria Cross. The original Victoria Cross awarded to Captain Queripel is not displayed at Egremont. It is held by the Airborne Forces Museum at Aldershot, Hampshire.

A few brief details about Captain Queripel

These are the details listed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission about Captain Queripel:

Name and rank: Captain Lionel Ernest Queripel VC
Service Number: 108181
Unit: Royal Sussex Regiment, Attached to 10th Battalion, Parachute Regiment, A.A.C.
Died: 19 September 1944, aged 24
Family details: Captain Queripel was the son of Leslie Herbert Queripel and Sybil Queripel, of Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Buried: Captain Queripel is buried at Oosterbeek / Arnhem Cemetery, Netherlands (Grave Reference: 5. D. 8.)

Victoria Cross citation

The following details giving the reason why Captain Queripel was awarded the Victoria Cross were given in the London Gazette of 1st January, 1945 :

鈥樷�業n Holland on September 19th, 1944, Captain Queripel was acting as Company Commander. When advancing on Arnhem, heavy and continuous enemy fire caused his company to split up on both sides of the road, and inflicted considerable losses. Repeatedly crossing and re-crossing the road under sustained and accurate fire, Captain Queripel not only immediately re-organized his force, but carried a wounded serjeant to the Regimental Aid Post, and was himself wounded in the face. Nevertheless he personally lead an attack on the strong point blocking their progress, and killed the occupants, thereby enabling the advance to continue.

Later, Captain Queripel found himself cut off with a small party. Although by then additionally wounded in both arms, he continued to inspire his men to resist until increasing enemy pressure forced him to order their withdrawal. He insisted on remaining behind to cover their retreat with pistol fire and hand grenades, and was not seen again. During nine hours of confused and bitter fighting Captain Queripel unceasingly displayed gallantry of the highest order. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were magnificent and inspiring鈥欌��.

Commemorative display at Egremont Royal British Legion

The written commemoration about Captain L.E. Queripel in the framed memorial on display at Egremont Royal British Legion is given below:

鈥淭HE VICTORIA CROSS

On 19 September 1944 at Arnhem, Captain Queripel displayed the highest standard of gallantry during the whole of a period of nine hours of bitter and confused fighting. Under heavy fire he carried a wounded sergeant to the regimental aid post and was himself wounded in the face.

Later, when it became necessary to withdraw despite the protests of his men, and receiving further wounds in both arms he insisted on remaining behind to cover their withdrawal, armed only with his pistol and a few hand grenades. This was the last occasion on which he was seen鈥�.

Conclusion

I would like to thank Mr Ian Cavaghan, Secretary of Egremont Royal British Legion for providing the information about Captain Queripel. Mr Cavaghan was also kind enough to allow a photograph to be taken of the framed memorial honouring Captain Queripel.

The local Branch of the Parachute Regiment Association hold their regular meetings at Egremont British Legion. Captain Queripel was attached to the Parachute Regiment during the action where he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

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