- SURNAME
Carpenter
- FORENAME
William Henry
- UNIT
D Squadron (17 Troop)
- RANK
Staff Sergeant
- NUMBER
23891099
- AWARD
Mention in Despatches
- PLACE
Falklands 1982
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent unit 16th/5th Lancers
recommended MM, received MID
CITATION:
Mention in Despatches : During the night of 14/15 June 1982 the battle for STANLEY was reaching its final stages. To divert the enemy's attention away from the main assault being conducted on WIRELESS RIDGE and TUMBLEDOWN MOUNTAIN, D Squadron 22 SAS were tasked to make a diversionary attack onto CORTLEY HILL, a position in the enemy rear. The Squadron was divided into 2 elements, a fire support team to provide covering fire for an assault troop which itself was to be carried into battle by Rigid Raiding craft. SSGT CARPENTER commanded a patrol of the assault troop.
No sooner had the force beached on the enemy held coast than the troop came under intense fire from an enemy anti-aircraft unit comprising at least 3 anti-aircraft guns and supporting infantry dug in about 300 metres from the landing point. Momentarily the troop pressed their attack, but severely outgunned withdrawal was ordered. In an extremely confused and dangerous situation SSGT CARPENTER remained thoroughly cool. His calm, steady and utterly unflappable leadership wrested order out of the potential chaos and disaster. Fighting his way back to the beach he regained his craft. Rather than withdraw immediately he continued to cover other patrols making for the beach. Eventually the entire force successfully broke contact and made for the safety of the home bank. On recovery across the HEARNDEN WATER again massive automatic fire was directed onto the force. All 4 craft received numerous hits.
This was not the first occasion in which SSGT CARPENTER distinguished himself. Throughout operations PARAQUET and CORPORATE he displayed an impressive, quiet and controlled leadership. Other notable actions include the raid on PEBBLE ISLAND: diversionary attacks in the DARWIN/GOOSE GREEN area during the main amphibious landing and advance force operations on MOUNT KENT.
The PEBBLE ISLAND raid contributed significantly to the successful outcome of the war. 11 enemy ground attack aircraft were destroyed. It was SSGT CARPENTER's troop that conducted the reconnaissance for this assault, and he personally assisted with the formulation of the plan and organisation of guides for the assault force.
This has been a particularly successful operation for SSGT CARPENTER's troop. Their amphibious skills ensured their constant use in preference to the other troops of the Squadron. His quiet and effectively calm leadership and professional expertise helped ensure the troop's success. They never failed on a mission and achieved it with minimum casualties. SSGT CARPENTER is a brave man whose performance in action is inspirational, and deserves suitable recognition.
Place : FALKLAND ISLANDS
Date of Action : 1 May - 15 June 82
How Employed : SAS Patrol Comd
No sooner had the force beached on the enemy held coast than the troop came under intense fire from an enemy anti-aircraft unit comprising at least 3 anti-aircraft guns and supporting infantry dug in about 300 metres from the landing point. Momentarily the troop pressed their attack, but severely outgunned withdrawal was ordered. In an extremely confused and dangerous situation SSGT CARPENTER remained thoroughly cool. His calm, steady and utterly unflappable leadership wrested order out of the potential chaos and disaster. Fighting his way back to the beach he regained his craft. Rather than withdraw immediately he continued to cover other patrols making for the beach. Eventually the entire force successfully broke contact and made for the safety of the home bank. On recovery across the HEARNDEN WATER again massive automatic fire was directed onto the force. All 4 craft received numerous hits.
This was not the first occasion in which SSGT CARPENTER distinguished himself. Throughout operations PARAQUET and CORPORATE he displayed an impressive, quiet and controlled leadership. Other notable actions include the raid on PEBBLE ISLAND: diversionary attacks in the DARWIN/GOOSE GREEN area during the main amphibious landing and advance force operations on MOUNT KENT.
The PEBBLE ISLAND raid contributed significantly to the successful outcome of the war. 11 enemy ground attack aircraft were destroyed. It was SSGT CARPENTER's troop that conducted the reconnaissance for this assault, and he personally assisted with the formulation of the plan and organisation of guides for the assault force.
This has been a particularly successful operation for SSGT CARPENTER's troop. Their amphibious skills ensured their constant use in preference to the other troops of the Squadron. His quiet and effectively calm leadership and professional expertise helped ensure the troop's success. They never failed on a mission and achieved it with minimum casualties. SSGT CARPENTER is a brave man whose performance in action is inspirational, and deserves suitable recognition.
Place : FALKLAND ISLANDS
Date of Action : 1 May - 15 June 82
How Employed : SAS Patrol Comd
WEB LINKS:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7637509
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