Graham, Stephen Geoffrey

Date of birth:: 1929
Service number:: 19043956
Nationality:: British

Biography

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British Empire Medal (BEM & EGM)

Rank:: Corporal
Awarded on:: January 1st, 1963

"Throughout the period that this Battalion has been in Germany the devotion to duty of this NCO has been outstanding. In July 1960 when the Battalion received its Saracen Armoured Personnel Carriers, Corporal Graham was the first to be trained as a driver operator, after which he became one of the NCO’s entrusted with the training of the drivers, and reserve drivers, for the Battalion’s 95 APC’s. his devotion to duty during this period was out of the ordinary, and due largely to his own efforts, working to all hours, the large number of drivers required for the Battalion’s new role were successfully trained. Since that period, Cpl Graham has been instrumental not only in helping to keep the Battalion’s large complement of Saracens on the road, but in maintaining the supply of skilled and efficient drivers that resulted in the recent successful completion of the War Office Trials of this Unit as a Battalion with integrated APC’s. In December 1961, Cpl Graham with six drivers attended a course at FVRDE, Chobham in driving and maintaining the new tracked APC, the FV 432. he then returned to Iserlohn and took over one of the five FV 432’s with which this Battalion was carrying out another War Office Trial. The early part of these trials was carried out in the field, in below zero conditions of great discomfort. Cpl. Graham worked all hours of the day and night, far beyond the normal requirements of duty, not only to carry out his own part of the trials, but to help keep on the road the other vehicles issued to the Battalion. During recent amphibious trials, this NCO showed great skill, coolness and presence of mind in negotiating strong currents and effecting successful initial crossings of the River Weser.

Throughout both War Office Trials, i.e. those of an Infantry Battalion with Integrated APC’s, and those of the FV 432, this NCO’s cheerfulness under adverse conditions, skill, and devotion to duty far beyond the normal requirements, have been an inspiration to All Ranks of this Battalion, and played a major part in the successful outcome of both Trials, with their resultant effect on the future of Infantry."