Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Trooper

Unit:

3 Troop, C Squadron, 2nd Lothians and Border Yeomanry, 26th Armoured Brigade, 6th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

December 7th, 1944

"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services at Laterina, Italy."
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"On 18 July 1944, C Squadron 2nd Lothians & Border Horse, was ordered in the afternoon to widen the small bridgehead over the R. ARNO which the regiment has made just South of the village of LATERINA. This was to be carried out by a sweep up some very steep ground on the left. Trooper WILBY was part of the crew of the leading tank, which while getting up to the feature, broke a track, blocked up the path, and was hotly engaged by enemy infantry, who had lain low in trenches. Owing to the angle of the tank the guns could not fire and the crew was forced to bail out into defense fire. Trooper WILBY then resolutely took charge and, armed only with tommy guns, pistols and hand grenades, they made for the nearest German post. Here, in spire of intense rifle fire and some spandau fire, they succeeded in killing two Germans and capturing another four. From this position they were then able to engage determined enemy attacks on them and their disabled tank with such effect that no damage was done to it. Later Trooper WILBY evacuated the prisoners, as he felt that they might have some valuable information, and in so doing, one was killed and the others all wounded by enemy spandau fire. In spite of this he got them to his Squadron HQ, and then returned to his post.

Throughout this action Trooper WILBY displayed coolness, courage and determination which were a fine example and inspiration to all ranks who saw him, while his action prevented any enemy infiltration down an open flank, and his determination to hold on at all costs was partly responsible for the withdrawal of the enemy shortly after dusk."