Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Corps of Royal Engineers

Awarded on:

May 24th, 1945

Recommedation:
"On the 23.11.44 at Bolzanino on the river Cosina, Sjt Downes was in charge of a fascine carrying A.V.R.E. (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers) which was ordered forward from 400 yards short of the river to drop its fascine into a gap and thus to create a tank crossing. As the approach route up to the banks of the river was over ploughland and there was a grave danger of the tank becoming bogged, Sjt Downes dismounted and guided his tank forward on foot despite direct enemy mortar and M.G. fire. He was wounded in the head but placed his fascine successfully into the ditch. The determination and disregard of danger of this NCO alone made possible the passage over the river of armoured and tracked vehicles at an important stage of the action."

The recommendation for the Military Medal was made up on the 29th December 1944.
WO 373/11/690
LG 37091/2649

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)