Award of the Military Cross
to
Lieutenant Michael Lawrence Bexon, 22nd May, 1945.

Citation
   This officer is Troop Commander of 4 Troop C Squadron and led the squadron across the Senio during the night 9/10 April 1945. As soon as forward localities had been verified he moved his troop in support of the right-hand company where they had formed a small bridgehead over two canals. Just before he arrived they were counter attacked for the fifth time and lost the first bridge. He immediately moved his tanks into positions to cover the second bridge and went forward on foot to look at it. He found it prepared for demolition and under small-arms fire he removed all the charges and detonators. He then studied the ground in great detail and found all the trees felled in front and the bank of the canal heavily defended, spotting at the same time and enemy 88 m.m. anti-tank gun. He and the Company Commander made a small plan and knocked it out, more guns were located and a lot of valuable information was passed back, enabling the Brigade Commander to make plans for the evening assault on this strongpoint. Lieutenant’s preliminary recce on foot undoubtedly saved the loss of his tanks and the lives of his crew and his ultimate information was of great value to the directing staff. All these recces were carried out in forward platoon positions under mortar and S.A. fire.    His coolness and initiative were beyond praise,.

Transcribed from a copy of Army Form making the recommendation.

Recommended by
Lieutenant-Colonel A.W.A. Llewellen-Palmer, D.S.O., M.C., Commanding Officer North Irish Horse

Endorsed by
Major-General D. Russell, Commander 8th Indian Infantry Division

Approved by
Lieutenant-General R. L. McCreery, General Officer Commanding, 8th Army.

London Gazette Record
Issue: 37235 Date: 23.8.1945 Page: 4208.
which view.

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