Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

16th/5th Queen's Royal Lancers, 26th Armoured Brigade, 6th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

October 1944

Citation:
"By his action Sgt. Ord undoubtedly prevented many casualties in the tanks and infantry, besides inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. Throughout his courage and calm tenacity was an inspiration to his crew and to his squadron."

On 15th May 1944 the 16/5 Lancers engaged in battle near Monte Cassino against the Gustav Line together with the 6th Inskilling Fusiliers. During the battle, the tank commanded by Sergeant Robert Ord lost one track. They became pinned down by shellfire, snipers and anti-tank fire. Thinking the tank was damaged severely he ordered his men to abandon the machine. Outside they found out the hull was still untouched and it was safer to stay inside the tank. They managed to repare the turret and were form that fixed position able to fire on the enemy and to direct artillery fire and tankfire on the German positions. Unsupported by other tanks and in direct vieuw of a German observationpost they managed to hold out for six and a half hour. Only when he was ordered to do so by his squadron leader, Sergeant Ord agreed to abandon his tank when the daylight faded out and he was directly attacked by a self propelled gun. After rejoining his squadron he immidiately took over command of another tank and fought durig the rest of the day and the subsequent advance.