Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

Royal Armoured Corps (Bradford)

Awarded on:

June 21st, 1945

Recommendation:
"Lt. Maskell commands this unit’s A1 Echelon and, as such, is responsible for ensuring that the forward troops never run short of essential supplies, particularly ammunition and petrol, and also for taking forward the nightly maintenance column.
He has never failed in this duty no matter what the time of night nor what the conditions of enemy and weather in the forward area. He has also insisted on carrying on through two periods of ill health when he has been in considerable pain.
He makes it his personal responsibility to come forward in daylight, frequently under fire, to see where the Sqns. Are located an to reconnoiter routes so that supplies may be delivered more expeditiously and certainly when the time comes for replacement.
He has at all times displayed the highest degree of initiative and foresight in dealing with administrative problems and has never failed to overcome the difficulties which have arisen. This he has done by means of personal supervision and where necessary, by ingenious improvisation.
A typical example of his work occurred during the attack on 4-5 Jan 45 by 1 East Lancaster Regiment supported by ‘A’ Sqn of this regt. After reaching the objective in the area 359835 (Map 1/25,000 Sheet 92 SW) the supply line of the Bn and Sqn from Verdienne (334843) was out by enemy infiltration in the late afternoon. The route was cleared during the night but, at first light, there were still small parties of enemy in the neighborhood and it was by no means certain that unescorted vehs or individuals would get trough safely.
Lt. Maskell however knowing that it was essential that the tanks should be replenished before the start of the day’s operations, carried out a personal reconnaissance on foot in order to find out whether the track was fit for wheeled vehs. When he found that it was deeply rutted and partially blocked by broken down carriers he immediately mobilized all available Jeeps and So Cars and ferried the supplies forward to the tanks.
It is not too much to say that his tireless devotion to duty has been a major factor in the successful administration of this unit in the field."