Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

The Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) (Wolverhampton)

Awarded on:

August 23rd, 1945

Citation:
"On 19 Apr. 45 "C" Coy., 6 HLI, was ordered to attack the village of Hebendof, North-East of Saltau, where an enemy force, estimated at 50 strong, were offering stubborn resistance, Lieut. Downes who was in command of No. 13 Pl. personally led two of his sections into the enemy lines, succeeded in taking the enemy by surprise and inflicted considerable casualties on him. Before his Pl. HQ., and the remainder of his Pl., were able to join him, Lt. Downes' force came under heavy and accurate Spandau and bazooka fire. This was followed by a counter-attack which Lt. Downes, by his skilful and daring leadership, was instumental in repulsing. The enemy then concentrated his full force on that of Lt. Downes, but the latter held his ground until ordered to withdraw, when he conducted a limited and skilful disengagement. As a result of this action, Lt. Downes was able to give a detailed account of the enemys' dispositions.

During a second attack the same day, Lt. Downes' Pl. suffered several casualties. With total disregard for his own personal safety, Lt. Downes so comported himself in full view of the enemy and under their fire that his depleted Pl. took its objective and inflicted several casualties on the enemy.

By his determination and courageous and skiful leadership, Lt. Downes was largely responsible for his Coy's success at a vital phase of the operation in which the Unit was engaged."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)