Award of the Military Medal
to
Lance-Corporal William Hughes, 19th September. 1944.
nbsp; the 25 July 1994 a Churchill tank was struck with a broken track on the narrow road at 920468. It was imperative that the tank be moved as no other vehicles could pass. Lance-Corporal Hughes, who is a fitter, arrived to move the tank. Before Lance-Corporal Hughes arrived the tank became a target for enemy shelling. Lance-Corporal Hughes set to work with perfect concentration and in half an hour had the track mended although during all this time shells were falling around him
.On the 27 July 1944 the first two tanks in attempting the crossing of the wadi at 916487 just south of Ponte broke their tracks was no other way across this if tanks were to get up their infantry the tracks must be mended and the crossing cleared. The crossing was in full view of the enemy and soon became a target for the enemy mortars. Lance-Corporal Hughes arrived and set to work to mend the tracks. In four hours he had both tracks mended. During all the time he was at work on the tanks the crossing was subjected to constant mortar fire including one salvo of Nebelwerfers.
This N.C.O.’s complete disregard for his own safety and his determination to get the tanks mended in spite of enemy fire as an inspiration to all.
Recommended by
Lieutenant-Colonel The Lord O'Neill, Commanding Officer, North Irish Horse.
Endorsed by
Brigadier J.L.Tetley, Commander 25th Tank Brigade.
Lieutenant-General S.C.Kirkman, Commander 13 Corps.
Approved by
General H.R.Alexander, Commander in Chief, Allied Central Mediterranean Force.
London Gazette Record
London Gazette Record
Issue: 36928 Date: 8.2.1945 Page: 798.
which view.
Gazetted 23rd September, 1943,
Issue: 36180 Page: 4222
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