Award of the Military Cross
to
Lieutenant Basil Edward Scrivener King, 21st October, 1944.

Citation
   On 17 Sepember 1944 2 Kings supported by one troop of B Squadron North Irish Horse attacked C Monte Pirolo (8389) while 2/4 Hamps attacked Cerasolo (8266) supported by C Squadron N.I.H. Lieutenant King’s troop was the one detailed to support the 2 Kings. This officer arrived below the objective before first light and went forward on foot to make a reconnaissance and contact the Infantry who had attacked on a different axis. On reaching the crest he came under shell fire and was slightly wounded. He now spotted a Mark IV Special at 832897. Taking his tank commanders forward he made a simple plan to attack the tank with his troop. He was in the process of putting this attack into effect when two tanks of his troop were knocked out by armour-piercing fire. Lieutenant King reversed his own tank down the slope and went forward on foot to try and discover from where this A.P. fire had come. After a detailed reconnaissance he spotted a Panther tank concealed by a house at 834896. By arrangement with his squadron leader he now directed the fire of another troop of his squadron on to the Panther. This fire forced the crew to bale out and surrender. Lieutenant King returned to his infantry and made a plan by which he should support the infantry with his one remaining tank while they attacked the Mark IV Special with PIATS. This plan was successful and the tank knocked out. This officer now went forward on foot and spotted enemy, men and vehicles, moving west down the road from 823899. Running back to his tank he called for artillery support and observed and corrected this fire by running forward to the forward slope.
   Lieutenant King, although wounded at first light and after an initial setback, continued to show a courageous and aggressive spirit throughout the day. He was instrumental in knocking out two enemy tanks. On arriving back to rally at last light he was evacuated through medical channels.

Transcribed from a copy of Army Form making the recommendation.

Recommended by
Lieutenant-Colonel the Lord O"neill, Commanding Officer, North Irish Horse.

Endorsements by
Lieutenant-General L. T Burns, General Officer Commanding 1 Canadian Corps.

Approved by
General H. R. Alexander, Commander-in-Chief, Allied Central Mediterranean Force.

London Gazette Record
Issue: 36972 Date: 8.2.1945 Page: 2073.
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