Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Driver

Unit:

755 Bulk Petrol Transport Company, 21st Army Group, British Army

Awarded on:

June 8th, 1945

"On the 31st December 1944 on the St Omer-Calais Road two bulk petrol tankers were attacked with cannon fire by an enemy aircraft. The leading vehicle was hit, the drivers seriously wounded and the vehicle caught fire and overturned into a ditch, trapping the wounded driver and another soldier in the cab. Driver Marshall, driving the second tanker, immediately pulled up and went to the assistance of the trapped men. The demestic petrol tanks were alight and the cab door was jammed, but Driver Marshall managed to force open the door, free the wounded driver and get him to safety. By that time the main bulk tanker was on firee and the enemy aircraft had returned to the attack. In spite of this, Driver Marshall returned and, protecting the second trapped man from the flames by using his leather jenkin, managed to release him from the burning vehicle; in doing so, he received burns about the hands. There is no doubt that but for Driver Marshall's courageous action both trapped men would have lost their lives"