Award of the Military Medal
to
Trooper Arthur Basil Church, 21st May, 1943.

Citation
   On the afternoon of 22 April, 1943 Captain MacKean, ‘A’ Squadron Reece Officer was commanding a troop when his tank hit a mine at 593432. Trooper Church got down and in spite of M.G. fire made a full investigation and report. The suspected M.G. position was then engaged and many attempts were made to restart work. Eventually the machine-gunners surrendered.
    Trooper Church then proceeded to work on the track in the middle of a German minefield and after doing the final work in the dark it was mended by 2130 hrs.
    The tank was then driven out of the minefield but broke down again 300 yards further on with final drive trouble. Trooper Church again gave every possible assistance to prepare the tank for fitters by breaking the track and stripping down as much as possible. This work was carried out under shell fire and on the following morning while under fire and by his devotion to duty and skill he helped very materially to get the tank back into harbour by 26 April.
    Trooper Church had no thought whatsoever for his personal safety and his only aim was to help recover his tank at all costs. His conduct was exemplarily in every way.

Transcribed from a copy of Army Form making the recommendation.

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

Endorsed by
Brigadier B.Howlett, Commander 25th Tank Brigade.

Approved by
Lieutenant-General K.Anderson, General Officer Commanding 1st Army.

London Gazette Record
Issue:36083 Date: 8.7.43 Page:3088.
which view.

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