Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Warrant Officer 1st Class

Unit:

9th Lancers, 1st Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

September 27th, 1940

Citation:
“For gallant and distinguished services in action in connection with operations in the field.”
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"On 5th June, 1940, G.S.M. Blandford was ordered to carry out a patrol at (***) of ABBEVILLE, to protect the right flank of the 133rd Infantry Brigade. At (***) he established contact with a patrol of the Black Watch who reported the enemy in large number (***) of the village. G.S.M. Blandford with his patrol of two light tanks immediately went towards the position where these enemy were reported. He there surprised and engaged a large number of German infantry at close range. He inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy in position, and followed up those who ran away. While engaging these infantry an enemy anti-tank gun opened fire from a flank, hit one of his light tanks and put it on fire. G.S.M. Blandford was instrumental in having the fire put out, the tank driven out of action, and subsequently towed to safety."