Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 15 Platoon, "B" Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Airlanding Brigade, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

October 21st, 1943

Awarded for:

Operation Husky

This officer landed with his platoon at 2245 hours to find that the remainder of his Company had failed to reach the landing area. He at once decided to carry out alone his Company's plan to capture Waterloo Bridge, which was the main objective of the Air Landing Brigade.
He swam the canal with five men and attacked a pill box on the North bank in order to draw fire, while the remainder of his platoon attacked the Bridge from the South according to plan. He and his small party killed several of the enemy with grenades.
The attack was successful and Lieutenant Withers removed the demolition charges and cut the telephone wires, thus ensuring that this vital bridge could not be blown.
He then placed his platoon in defensive positions and held the bridge against determined enemy counter attack. No help had reached him by day-break but the bridge was held although ammunition was running short.
At 07.00 hours reinforcements arrived, and he and his depleted party assisted in the defence of the bridge until 16.00 hours - by which time casualties were heavy.
During the whole of this operation, Lieutenant Withers showed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He realised the important issues at stake, and inspired his men by his own personal example.
There is no doubt that his resourcefulness and courage contributed largely to the early capture of Syracuse.