Morgan, Matthew Lawrence

Service number:: 14244985
Nationality:: British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

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Military Medal (MM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Corporal
Unit:: The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Awarded on:: February 27th, 1945

"On the 9th August 1944 at Plessis De Grimault, Corporal Morgan was in command of a section of ‘B’ Company, which was the leading company in the attack. The enemy seeing that the attack was imminent, brought down heavy defensive artillery fire, and on the start line being reached, Corporal Morgan’s Platoon Commander, Platoon Sergeant and several other personnel were wounded and unable to carry on. As it was not possible to send out orders to the sections of this platoon they were therefore left to carry on, on their own initiative. For Corporal Morgan’s section there was no need for further orders, no encouragement was needed and during the whole of the ensuing battle which lasted for two hours, Corporal Morgan was to be seen to the forefront, leading and encouraging his men on. He and his men were invariably on top of the enemy positions before the enemy had time to recover from the barrage, bearing down on the enemy with fixed bayonets and firing from the hip, they over-ran and captured many enemy posts and took many prisoners. Corporal Morgan’s bravery and determination close with the enemy , and his fine personal example filled his men with eagerness and enthusiasm for the fight. Without thought for his own personal safety from enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire, he showed superb coolness and courage in leading his men on and was the first to reach the final objective. His magnificent courage and outstanding leadership greatly contributed to the complete defeat of the enemy."

Downgraded from a DCM