|
Captain T.C. Thorne M.C. |
||
|
Transcript of Military Cross Citation |
||
Brigade |
77th Indian Infantry |
|
Division |
3rd Indian |
|
Unit |
Royal Army Medical Corps |
|
Date of Recommendation |
27 June 1944 |
|
Regtl. No. |
153829 (E.C.) |
|
Rank and Name |
Captain Theophilus Crowhurst THORNE |
|
|
Action for which commended :- |
||
|
During the early formation of HENU BLOCK at the time when the battalion was suffering heavy casualties, this medical officer worked day and night tending wounds. All his operations and treatment in the first seven days were done invariably under the most dangerous and difficult conditions and no doubt resulted in saving several lives. Throughout the battalions occupation of the Block this officer was always getting the wounded back and at times despite heavy artillery fire he still carried on his work at great personal risk. This last month we have been continually in close contact with the enemy which naturally called for casualties in the advance plus at all times the medical always came straight to the wounded and on one occasion a man was seriously wounded within a few yards of an enemy position. The men of the section warned the Medical Officer that he could not possibly get to him as the wounded man was covered by Snipers. Ignoring all warnings and quite oblivious of the enemy and absolute disregard to his own personal safety he reached the wounded man and attended his wounds and got him out. During all this he was sniped. Throughout the whole campaign this officer has shown excellent devotion to duty keeping the numbers of sick far below average and for days on end tended wounded without rest or sleep. His devotion and self sacrifice greatly inspired my battalion in action as they were full of confidence in the knowledge that under whatever circumstances they were wounded the Medical Officer would always be straight with them. During the 16 weeks of the present campaign Captain THORNE was always with Forward Headquarters and with leading troops so that he could quickly dress wounds, and I consider through his quickness in getting to the men saved several lives. Finally, I cannot enunciate all his deeds of bravery, however, I can say he was a splendid example to all around him. Date 27 Jun 44 MOGAUNG |
||
Recommended By |
Lieut-Colonel R. Degg 1st Bn South Staffordshire Regt. |
|
Honour or Reward |
Military Cross |
|
Signed By |
Major General W.D.A. Lentaigne Comdr. Special Force. General G. Giffard Commander-in-Chief 11 Army Group |
|
(London Gazette 26.04.1945) |
||