Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

The Wiltshire Regiment

Awarded on:

May 24th, 1945

Received in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North-Western Europe.
Recommendation:
"On 12 Feb. 45 after 36 hours of street fighting in Gennep the Battalion was ordered to attack through another Battalion to clear further part of the town form the enemy. "D" Coy was the leading Coy., in this attack. Shortly before the attack was due to take place, the Coy Cmdr was killed. Lieut. Crockett, commanding a platoon, took command at once and organised and laid on the attack in which Crocodiles and other arms were taking part. He accepted this responsibility readily and showed himself calm and capable, so that his Coy attacked with confidence even though they had just lost their Commander. During the attack the Coy was held up by a strong enemy post in the station. Lieut. Crockett realised that it was essential to direct the Crocodiles on to this enemy post. Completely disregarding the hail of enemy fire directed at the Crocodiles, he went across some seventy yards of open space, climbed on the leading tank and calmly directe the Commander on to the enemy position. Still under a hail of fire, he returned to the leading troops of his Coy. and then led them in a spirited charge into the enemy position, completely routing them. A few minutes later his Coy was again held up by an enemy strongpoint in a factory block. Crocodiles could not be got forward. Lieut. Crockett immediately went forward, rallied his leading troops, and in spite of intense and accurate enemy fire, charged across the open space in front of the factory, and stormed his way into the building, killing several of the enemy himself. This charge so inspired the rest of his Coy that nothing could stop them, and they rushed forward on to the enemy position and completely overwhelmed them. It was undouptedly largely due to Lieut. Crockett's gallant actions and splendid example that strong enemy resistance in this part of the town was overcome. His complete scorn of danger, his selfless devotion to duty and magnificent leadership were absolutely outstanding. His action was great value to the success of the Brigade operation in enabling a third Battalion to advance without interference to their Start Line."

Place and Date action: Gennep, February 12th, 1945.