- SURNAME
Hope
- FORENAME
William Morgan
- UNIT
40 Commando (P Troop)
- RANK
Sergeant
- NUMBER
PLY/X 110136
- AWARD
Military Medal
- PLACE
Italy 1945
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CITATION:
Military Medal : (Operation 'IMPACT' 11/12 Apr 45.)
During the early stages of the attack the patrol attached to 'P Troop found themselves in exposed positions on the left of the main dyke.
Heavy and sustained S.A. fire was brought to bear on their positions from enemy positions on their left.
S.P. and mortar fire was also brought to bear, the position being well and truly straddled.
The O.C. patrol ordered his men to the sheltered side of the dyke, as many casualties had been received.
The A/m N.C.O, with total disregard for his own safety made three separate trips over the dyke under accurate and withering cross S.A. and mortar fire to try and pull out the wounded who were still lying on the exposed bank of the dyke.
Heavy shell fire was also in progress.
In the new position the patrol were under accurate sniping from 50 yards and Spandau fire from 150 yards. The patrol were ordered to withdraw, to a better and less exposed position. Sgt. HOPE remained with the wounded men; he continued moving amongst them, cheering them on and tending their wounds. During this time the sniper continued to fire, two of the wounded men being hit again. Finally Sgt. HOPE jumped on to the bank, completely exposing himself to the enemy in an endeavour to stop them firing on the already wounded.
The enemy continued to fire and shelling commenced once again. Sgt. HOPE remained with the wounded giving what assistance he was able. When eventually medical aid arrived only one wounded man remained alive, the remainder having been either killed by sniper fire or shelling.
Throughout the entire action this S.N.C.O. displayed the utmost bravery and complete disregard for his own life. His devotion to duty and encouragement to his section on the death of his section officer was an inspiration to all around him.
During the early stages of the attack the patrol attached to 'P Troop found themselves in exposed positions on the left of the main dyke.
Heavy and sustained S.A. fire was brought to bear on their positions from enemy positions on their left.
S.P. and mortar fire was also brought to bear, the position being well and truly straddled.
The O.C. patrol ordered his men to the sheltered side of the dyke, as many casualties had been received.
The A/m N.C.O, with total disregard for his own safety made three separate trips over the dyke under accurate and withering cross S.A. and mortar fire to try and pull out the wounded who were still lying on the exposed bank of the dyke.
Heavy shell fire was also in progress.
In the new position the patrol were under accurate sniping from 50 yards and Spandau fire from 150 yards. The patrol were ordered to withdraw, to a better and less exposed position. Sgt. HOPE remained with the wounded men; he continued moving amongst them, cheering them on and tending their wounds. During this time the sniper continued to fire, two of the wounded men being hit again. Finally Sgt. HOPE jumped on to the bank, completely exposing himself to the enemy in an endeavour to stop them firing on the already wounded.
The enemy continued to fire and shelling commenced once again. Sgt. HOPE remained with the wounded giving what assistance he was able. When eventually medical aid arrived only one wounded man remained alive, the remainder having been either killed by sniper fire or shelling.
Throughout the entire action this S.N.C.O. displayed the utmost bravery and complete disregard for his own life. His devotion to duty and encouragement to his section on the death of his section officer was an inspiration to all around him.
WEB LINKS:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7376001NATIONAL ARCHIVES:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7376001
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