Award of the Military Cross
to
2nd/Lieutenant Henry Ernest Irwin, 24th March, 1943.

Citation
   On the afternoon of 5 March [1943] heavy and accurate fire was being concentrated on the area of the station building of Ksar Masouar from two enemy guns. This fire resulted in the death of Major J. Rew and the destruction of one guard of an ant-tank unit.
   2nd/Lieutenant Irwin had four carriers of his Recce Troop in the vicinity. There were also a utility car and two White scout cars nearby. He was ordered to evacuate these soft vehicles with their personnel who were taking cover in various slits and dugouts. Under heavy fire he personally conveyed these orders to the personnel, got them into their vehicles and successfully carried out the evacuation without loss and very quickly. 2nd/Lieutenant Irwin showed completed disregard for his personal safety and set a very high example of leadership and devotion to duty. This officer has, during the past 10 days, been employed on duties of observation and has constantly sent in accurate reports of movements of enemy tanks and infantry and corrected our artillery fire. These tasks have often been carried out under heavy mortar and machine-gun fire and 2nd/Lieutenant Irwin has given ample proof of initiative, enterprise and resource.

Transcribed from a copy of Army Form making the recommendation.

Recommended by
Lieutenant-Colonel D. Dawnay, Commanding Officer North Irish Horse.

Endorsed by
Brigadier W. G. James, Commander 128 Light Brigade.

Approval by
Name not recorded.

London Gazette Record
Issue: 35987 Date: 22.4.1943 Page: 1846WO Folio 373/1.
which view.

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