|
Capt. W.M. Park M.C. |
||
|
Transcript of Military Cross Citation |
||
Brigade |
77th Indian Infantry |
|
Division |
3rd Indian |
|
Unit |
Royal Corps of Signals |
|
Date of Recommendation |
16th July 1944 |
|
Regtl. No. |
249907 (W.E.) |
|
Rank and Name |
Captain William Mitchell PARK |
|
|
Action for which commended :- |
||
|
Period of Operations :- 1 Mar - 31 Aug 44. Captain PARK acted as Brigade Signal Officer when his predecessor had crashed in a Glider elsewhere. He was primarily responsible for the excellent wireless communication which allowed the plan for the installation of the HENU BLOCK to be changed by wireless messages when information was received of previously unknown enemy dispositions. At the BLOCK he installed an excellent system of line communication which withstood the heavy shelling and bombing. He himself, many times, went out during attacks and shelling to mend the line and maintaining the efficiency of communication which was so vital for an efficient defensive fire place. In the Brigade counter-attack at KAYIN on 10th April 44 the Brigade Headquarters came under fire from the enemy in the jungle. This later developed into intensive fire from three MMGs which caused many casualties. In spite of this Captain PARK got the 22 set in action so that it was possible to direct Direct Air Support which was on its way to the enemy. This turned the scale of the battle. The enemy were held only twenty five yards from the set but Captain PARK continued to supervise its operation and later loaded it up on mules and withdrew although still under fire. At MOGAUNG, Captain PARK was in charge of the line communications throughout the Brigade which were such a vital factor in the quick exploitation of success and the successful use of Direct Air Support from forward F.O.Os. He maintained its efficiency throughout and himself worked on the dangerous jobs when enemy shelling became intense. Captain PARK has maintained the highest tradition of the Royal Corps of Signals in his skill, devotion to duty and courage and determination to overcome difficulties. |
||
Recommended By |
Brigadier J.M. Calvert DSO Commander 77th Ind Inf Brigade |
|
Honour or Reward |
Military Cross |
|
Signed By |
Major General W.D.A. Lentaigne Comd. Special Force General G. Giffard Commander-in-Chief 11 Army Group |
|
(London Gazette 26.04.1945) |
||