Award of the Military Cross
to
Captain John Stewart Milne, 22nd May, 1945.

Citation
   On 9 April 1945 Captain Milne, C Squadron North Irish Horse, was acting as Recce Officer for the crossing of the Senio.
   The operation took place at 1920 hours, it was vitally important that the tank troops, when they had crossed the river, should quickly join up with their correct companies. Captain Milne, with an 18 Set, went over the river on his feet with the assaulting battalion, 6/13 Royal Frontier Force Rifles at last light. The attack went well and a deep bridgehead was quickly made. The bridge was not completed until 0300 hrs. A Squadron N.I.H. crossed first, followed by the C Squadron. By this time Capt. Milne had walked to every company area, discovered tank routes to them and found out where the mines were, in spite of constant heavy enemy fire and a pitch black night. Thus when his squadron crossed he guided each troop to the correct place and within half an hour every tank was with its company.
   Captain Milne played a conspicuous part in the fighting on the day of 10 April when the brigade was breaking out off its bridgehead. On the night of 10/11 April he again did great work when C Squadron was supporting the 8 Punjabs in the crossing of the Tratturo Canale and the advance to the Santerno In the face of heavy enemy fire he recced the crossing place for an ARK so quickly and well that there was no delay for the tanks who kept up with the infantry, thus ensuring success.
   On 11 April he commanded a half squadron cleaning up the approaches to the Santerno and the following day again commanded a half squadron which quickly mopped up all remaining enemy between the Senio and Santerno north of our bridgeheads.
   Throughout this 80-hour battle Captain Milne was constantly in action, much of the time on his feet. This officer has always shown outstanding bravery and devotion to duty

Transcribed from a copy of Army Form making the recommendation.

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

Endorsments by
Brigadier D. Dawnay, Commander 21st Tank Brigade
Lieutenant-General C. Evelegh, Commander 5 Corps.

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

London Gazette Record
Issue: 37235 Date: 23.8.1945 4268Page: WO Folio 373/13.
which view.

Captain Milne was also Mentioned in Despatches
Gazetted 23rd August, 1945.
Issue: 37235 Page: 4268

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