大象传媒

At about 1830 hours on 25 April 1945 at TRECENTA in Northern ITALY Corporal GOODFELLOW was in command of a dismounted section of the Support Troop allotted to an Armoured Car Troop who were ordered to seize the canal crossings at that place.

On approaching the town several enemy Paratroop snipers and bazooka men were encountered and were systematically killed or captured by Corporal GOODFELLOW and his section, thus enabling the armoured car troop to pass through up to the main bridge.

The main bridge and the immediate area both sides of the canal were held by about half a company of the enemy and owing to the torturous approach through the houses it was nearly impossible for the armoured cars to bring fire to bear on them. Nevertheless Corporal GOODFELLOW, without covering fire and completely disregarding the enemy fire, got his men into a house covering the bridge so that they were unable to get close enough to blow it up. Although under heavy fire from all sides he kept up sustained fire for nearly an hour until infantry and tanks of 2 NEW ZEALAND Divisions arrived to relieve him.

As a result of Corporal GOODFELLOW鈥橲 courageous action, the bridge was saved and the Division was able to maintain the momentum of its advance unchecked during the night, over-running the enemy鈥檚 retreating rearguards, and preventing them from organising a defensive line next day.

During the whole of this action, and on many other occasions, Corporal GOODFELLOW showed outstanding qualities of fighting spirit and determination.

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