Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

9th Queen's Royal Lancers, 2nd Armoured Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

May 10th, 1945

"On the morning of 5 December 1944, Sgt Simpson was Troop Sergeant of tr troop ordered to support the 5th Battalion The Hampshire Regiment in the area DUECENTO (254221). In order to get to the required position the toop had to use a road occupied by the enemy outside the infantry bridgehead over the R. LAMONE. Sgt Simpson 's Troop Leader's tank was blown up on a mine and completely blocked the track. As it was imperative for tanks to get up to the infantry the Troop Leader left his own tank and continued in the leading tank, leaving Sgt Simpson to get up to him as best he could. The mist now cleared, leaving the track and Sgt Simpson's tank in full view of the enemy at very short range. Very heavy shelling and machine gun fire was immediately directed on the tank. Using great initiative and determination Sgt Simpson succeeded after a hour's work in getting his tank past the obstruction. He organized both tank crews to dig, lay planks and cut down trees, and by this method he constructed a way round the blown up tank. During all this time he was in full view and under very heavy fire. Sgt Simpson was now able to proceed to join the infantry on the DUECENTO ridge and give them most valuable support as a result of which they were enabled to hold this position.

This NCO showed the most remarkable coolness under very heavy fire and his resourcefulness and determination to get his tank up to the hard pressed infantry was an example to all."

Brigadier
Commander 2 Armd Bde

- "Very strongly recommended"
(sgd) D.H. KENDREW Brigadier
Commander 128 Infantry Brigade

WO 373/11/472