Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

Royal Armoured Corps (London, W.1)

Awarded on:

March 23rd, 1944

Citation:
"Lieutenant Wingate was a Troop Commander in the attack on the SAN SALVO feature on the 3rd November, 1943. On arriving at the objective, his tank was hit by enemy anti-personnel shot and sustained superficial damage. Being unable to locate the gun, Lieutenant Wingate withdrew to a covered position, dismounted and made a reconnaissance on foot. He located a German Mark IV Special Tank and, bringing his own tank forward again, engaged the enemy at a range of 300 yards, hitting it three tmes and setting it on fire. He made numerous reconnaissances during the day in order to bring his tank into fire postions from which to engage the enemy. This was made necessary by bthe fact that the area was dominated from the high ground on VINEYARD HILL. When a counter-attack developed, he engaged 12 enemy tanks hich were moving towards the SALVO STATION, forcing them to withdraw. His own tank was hit again and rendered unbattleworthy. He immediately took over his Troop Corporal's tank and fought it until ordered to withdraw at last light. On receiving this order, although under heavy machine gun fire, he proceeded to tow his original tank back, but it was hit almost immediately by anti-personnell fire and caught fire. Whilst still under heavy fire he unshackled the tow rope from the burning tank and brought the other one back to his Squadron.

Troughout the action, lasting from 0530 hours until 1830 hours, Lieutenant Wingate displayed complete disregard for his personal safety and it was largely due to the action of his Troop that the SAN SALVO ridge remained in our hands."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)