Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Warrant Officer 3rd Class

Unit:

The Queen's Bays, 2nd Armoured Brigade, 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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Editor's note: Most parts of this recommendation are unreadable due to bad scanning

"For conspicuous courage and determination under fire.
On May 24th, 1940, at (***) AYLING succeeded in landing his troop right up to the river (***). He (***) the bridge (***) but (***) and gave effective covering fire to a company of infantry which enabled them to establish a bridgehead.
On the 27th at (***) although severely wounded in the (***), remained in control of his troop, and contributed to engage the German anti-tank defences until it was possible to relieve him. He then refused to leave his tank which was badly damaged until he had conducted it out of the fighting area.
On those two days (***) Ayling set a splendid example of courageous leadership, and he inflicted considerable casualties on the enemy."