Harding, Ronald William

Service number:: 204163
Nationality:: British

Biography

Lieutenant Ronald Harding was from Eltham, South London. He was educated at Haimo Road School, Eltham and later at Woolwich County School. On leaving education he joined the head office of the Woolwich Equitable Building Society. He enlisted in the Royal Artillery on 18th April 1940 and rose through the ranks to gain a commission. He served as "H Troop" Commander with 226 Battery 57th (East Surrey) Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery at the battle of Munassib in North Africa September 1942, it was during this battle that he was recommended for the Military Cross.
Harding continued to serve with the unit once he recovered from his wounds, he served throughout the campaign in Italy. He left the army in 1946.

6 September 1941: 2nd Lieutenant

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Military Cross (MC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: 226th Battery, 57th (East Surrey) Anti-Tank Regiment R.A., Corps Troops, X Corps, British Army
Awarded on:: October 14th, 1943

Citation:
"This officer has commanded an anti-tank troop since September 1942. At all times he has shown the utmost devotion to duty. No conditions either of machine gunning or shellfire have ever deterred him from the task of getting his guns into the most advantageous position. He has shown himself equally impervious to the effects of fatigue. In particular he distinguished himself in the Battle of Munassib, September 42, when he was detached under command 6 Queen's. He was three days in this position, during which time two of his Nos. 1 and two other soldiers were wounded, but at all times he was actively employed in going round his guns encouraging his men and reconnoitring better positions. Finally he was himself wounded but refused to be evacuated until he had reported to his Battery Commander and arranged for his relief. Altogether his conduct during the whole period has been of the highest and has been a great inspiration to his men."