Award of the Military Cross
to
Lieutenant David Richard King, 22nd May, 1945.

Citation
On 23 April 1945 Lieutenant King commanded 3 Troop, C. Squadron, North Irish Horse- and was in support of the Royal West Kents of 21 Indian Infantry Brigade, in an attack from Canale La Sacca to the Po. A large number of enemy were in position in front of his objective and a number of enemy vehicles were in the area preparing to attempt a crossing of the Po- or to move east to join the powerful enemy bridgehead facing 8 Indian Infantry Division and 78 Infantry Division. Although the country was extremely open and afforded no natural cover, Lieutenant King pushed on with great determination and dash, often traveling a considerable distance in front of his supporting infantry. He was able to get behind the enemy positions and engaged them so effectively that the enemy who were not killed, surrendered without causing our infantry any trouble. He actually reached his objective, the Po at 1045 hrs and was the first 8th Army tanks to do so. It was largely due to his great determination and initiative that the operation was such a success and that such a large number of prisoners-of-war enemy vehicles and equipment were captured by the infantry. This action sealed off the pocket north of Ferrara from its main crossing places and thus ensured the destruction or capture of another very large enemy force.

Transcribed from a copy of Army Form making the recommendation.

Recommended by
Lieutenant-Colonel A.W.A Llewellen-Palmer, DSO, MC, Commanding Officer North Irish Horse.

Endorsed by
Brigadier D. Dawnay, Commander 21st Tank Brigade:
   "From careful enquiry I consider that Lieutenant King's bold and determined    leadership contributed greatly to the success of 5 Royal West Kents and C Squadron N.I.H. in this operation. I strongly recommend the award."

Approved by

London Gazette Record
Issue: Date: Page: 37235 Date: 23.8.1945 Page: 4268.
which view.

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