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Lieut. F. Halliwell 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 |
16th July 1944 |
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Regtl. No. |
253358 |
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Rank and Name |
Lieutenant Francis HALLIWELL |
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Action for which recommended :- |
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During a counterattack at HENU on the morning of 22nd March 1944, this officer led his Platoon in an attack against the enemy who had captured one of our positions and had occupied it. In this attack his Platoon suffered heavy casualties before reaching the hill, as it had to cross an open patch covered by enemy fire. Despite these casualties he still continued to attack and eventually inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and recaptured the position. During this action Lieut HALLIWELL killed several enemy with his grenades and bayonet including a Japanese officer and gave an excellent example of gallantry to his men and through his great determination and leadership captured the hill. His platoon suffered one officer killed, one severely wounded (the Commanding Officer) he himself slightly wounded, six killed (BORs) and six wounded (BORs). On 6th April '44 when the enemy were known to be concentrating east of the Block, this officer volunteered to take two men and endeavour to pin point enemy dispositions for direct air support. This he successfully carried out although this meant passing through enemy outposts. On the 4th April this officer took out a patrol to locate enemy positions in SEPEIN. On the same day a Platoon of our own troops were pinned down one hundred yards from the enemy. This Platoon had already suffered heavy casualties and the wounded could not be got away without great danger. Under covering fire, this officer crawled with his party and eventually got all wounded away In all these actions this officer demonstrated determination and courage of the highest order. |
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Recommended By |
Lieut-Colonel R. Degg 1st Bn The South Staffordshire Regiment |
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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 |
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(London Gazette 26.04.1945) |
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