Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Serjeant

Unit:

3rd (Royal Northumberland Fusiliers) Reconnaissance Regiment, British Army

Awarded on:

March 20th, 1946

"Sgt van der Pol, Royal Netherlands Forces, was attached to a Sqn of 3rd Reconnaissance Regt from 22 Oct 44 until 15 May 45.
During this period he carried out his duties as German Interpreter with conspicuous success and gallantry.
On many occasions it was necessary for him to work with the most leading troops, often under heavt fire; nevertheless at all times he remained completely imperturbable. On one occasion during the advance in Germany a patrol from the Sqn in close contact with a German Para Coy at WETTEN suffered casualties of two wounded and one missing. The German Commander sent the missing man back escorted and under flag of truce requesting that the Sqn should evacuate their wounded as he had no facilities. Sgt van der Pol immediately volunteered to go forward to the German lines with the stretcher party and arrange their evacuation. This he successfully accomplished.
At all times this N.C.O. has shown the very highest degree of loyalty both to the Regt and the Allied Cause as a whole."

L.G. 8.45