大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War site by David Singleton Edwards and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.
My uncle Charlie was the only one of four brothers who did not join the navy. He joined the army and was banished from the family home in Portsmouth by my grandfather who held very strong Victorian values and who was a Royal Navy man, through and through. It was only after he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal that he was welcomed back into the fold. I will now quote the citation given to him when he received the DSM, which, by the way can be seen with the rest of his medals at the regimental museum in Dorchester Castle, Dorset.
"On August 1st 1943 at Regalbuto, Sergeant Edwards, who was platoon commander of No 11 Platoon, was ordered to cover the withdrawal of the remainder of his Company from the town after a reconnaissance had been carried out. Although surrounded by three German tanks and approximately fifty German infantry, Sergeant Edwards held his position and was himself the last to leave having successfully covered the withdrawal of the Company and beaten off at least two attacks against his position. When he eventually withdrew he and his platoon took up a position on some high ground to the North of the town. Twice the enemy, supported by tanks and mortars, attacked Sergeant Edwards' platoon and on one occasion hand to hand fighting took place. On both occasions the enemy were driven back and the postion was held. During the course of this action Sergeant Edwards was wounded but he fought on and encouraged his men to hold the position. Later in the action he was again wounded but still refused to be evacuated until the final attack by the enemy had been beaten off. It was entirely due to Sergeant Edwards' courage and leadership and his absolute disregard to his own personal safety that the position was held."

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