大象传媒

General Montgomery, Commander of the famous Eighth Army, made a tour of the area occupied by a British division in Sicily to congratulate officers and men and to present awards won during the campaign. General Montgomery shook hands with Private Robinson of the D.L.I. who comes from Sunderland. Private Robinson was awarded the Military Medal and was presented with this at Buckingham Palace. The citation reads as follows:-

ROBINSON, RICHARD, Pte., M. M.
21st October 1943
6th Battalion The Durham L. I. 鈥淥n the night of 16/17 July during the Battalion attack over the River Simeto, Pte Robinson's Company was given the task of clearing the left flank and forming a flank guard. The enemy comprising German Parachutists were concealed in the dense undergrowth and vineyards on the North bank. Immediately after crossing the river the Company come under heavy sniping and machine gun fire. During the advance whilst endeavouring to clear this thick ground to the objective, the Company was fired upon again and again by the cleverly concealed enemy posts. With complete disregard to his own safety and although wounded in the arm, Pte Robinson on each occasion moved forward with his 2" mortar and successfully cleared post after post with most accurate fire thus enabling his platoon to advance. This he did at least four times using all his mortar ammunition. His bravery and coolness under heavy fire was an example of the very highest order and inspiration to the other members of his platoon': (Recommended for an Immediate MM by Lt. Co. W.I. Watson, Comd 6 DLI,. Brig R. H. Senior, Comd 151 Inf Bde; Maj Gen S. C. Kirkman, Comd 50 Div; General Sir B.L. Montgomery, GOC Eighth Army, General Sir H.R. Alexander GOC -in-C 21 Army Group). "
Disclaimer: Story submitted by Allison Brook at Willington Library on behalf of Mrs Ellen Hendry

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