Award of the Military Medal
to
Sergeant James Richard Barbour, 26th April, 1945.

Citation
   On November 10th, 1944, at map reference 429179, one troop of N.I.H. was supporting C and B Companies 6 Black Watch. The enemy, an Assault Battalion of 994 Grenadier Regt were holding two rows of fortified houses and the cross roads. On the 9th November after fierce fighting, they were 100 yards short of the cross roads. These cross roads were strongly held with spandau, anti-tank guns and Bazookas. In order to clear the row of houses the tanks had to go over the cross roads and down the street at right angles. The road was believed to be mined. The 6 Black Watch could not get on unless the tanks did this. Sergeant Barbour took his tank round the corner under intense fire. The road was blocked with fallen trees and wire. Sergeant Barbour charged the obstacle, disregarding the mines one of which he ran over but it failed to detonate, and blew down the enemy held house at point blank range. Had he struck or been mined, his chances of escape at such close quarters would have been nil.
   Such was the effect of this lone tank attack that the 6 Black Watch were able to clear the houses of the remaining enemy. It was subsequently discovered that a complete enemy company was annihilated in this action: only 6 surrendered, the remaining 35 were killed.
   This N.C.O.’s skill and daring were an inspiration to all who witnessed the action. His tank was continuously in action for two days.

Transcribed from a copy of Army Form making the recommendation.

Recommended by
Commander 12th British Infantry Brigade.

Endorsed by
Commander 4th British Infantry Division.

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

London Gazette Record
Issue: 37051 Date: 26.4.45 Page: 22117
which view.

Sergeant Barbour was also Mentioned in Despatches
Gazetted 17th July, 1945
Issue: 37184 Page: 3721

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