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Captain H.P.N. Benson M.C. |
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Transcript of Military Cross Citation |
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Brigade |
77th Indian Infantry |
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Division |
3rd Indian |
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Unit |
1st Bn The South Staffordshire Regiment |
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Date of Recommendation |
25th May 1944 |
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Regtl. No. |
109027 |
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Rank and Name |
Capt (temporary) Harry Peter Neville BENSON |
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Action for which recommended :- |
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Lieut. BENSON was largely responsible for holding the position at HENU on the 17th March 1944. Although subjected to heavy fire throughout the day, this officer continued to encourage all around him and at all times showed personal disregard for his own safety. When the position was suffering rather heavy casualties he continued to direct fire and get wounded away. At one time when a mortar bomb fell on his position killing one man and wounding another and he himself blown out of the hole and wounded, he just moved around his men and still gave orders. Once again wounded by a bullet he still stuck to his position and continued to encourage his men showing steadiness and great courage. On 17th April 44, when O.P. HILL in HENU BLOCK was partly in enemy hands, this officer gathered all spare men and led them into the counterattack. His quick grasp of the situation and his reaction contributed in no small way to the recapture of the position. This action was carried out without orders from his Company Commander due to the fact that communications were smashed. When I arrived on the hill he was coolly organising the position and showing great courage in moving from Section-post to post. In the hills east of MOGAUNG on 4th June 44, his Company was held up by the enemy. He quickly moved his Platoon to the flank covered by his Bren guns, crept to within ten yards of the enemy and then led a bayonet assault clearing the enemy off, killing four. In this action it was due to his skill and bravery that the battalion was able to move forward. On the 15th June 44, when his Company was ordered to attack NATTYIGON just east of MOGAUNG he located an enemy strong point which had LMG's in it. The position had already held up the leading Company. With great skill and determination he led his platoon into the attack destroying two LMGs and killing several Japanese before he was ordered to retire. In this action he was wounded by a bullet through the thigh, but would not leave his Platoon until it was safely brought back to the remainder of the Company. Throughout the whole Campaign this officer has shown courage and determination of the highest order. he has been an excellent inspiration to his men. |
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Recommended By |
Lieut Colonel R.DEGG 1st Bn The South Staffordshire Regiment Brigadier J.M. CALVERT, DSO Commander 77 Ind Inf Brigade |
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Honour or Reward |
Military Cross |
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Signed By |
Major General W.D.A. Lentaigne Comd. 3 Ind Div. General G. Giffard Commander-in-Chief 11 Army Group |
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(London Gazette 26.04.1945) |
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