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Rhodes, Kenneth

Service number:
106917
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Captain
Unit:
1 Battalion The King's Own Royal Regiment
Awarded on:
April 26th, 1945
Citation"
“On the night of 6 Oct 1944, Captain K Rhodes, 1st Battalion, The King’s Own Royal Regiment, was commanding a company ordered to attack and capture the village of San Martino [Italy]. Captain Rhodes led his company by night over a difficult route and joined up with another company which had gained a foothold in the village the previous night – this company he took under command. Shortly after the attack began the leading platoon was held up by enemy Light Machine Gun fire, and Captain Rhodes himself led the second platoon round the left flank, shouting orders and encouragement as he went. His determination and confidence was such that the enemy withdrew, less those who had been killed in the action. Further opposition was encountered towards the top of the village, but Captain Rhodes, appreciating the danger of subsequent counter-attack, pushed forward, leaving the reserve company to deal with the mopping up whilst he consolidated on the top of the hill on which the village stood. His handling of the force under his command throughout the action was of the highest order, and his personal bravery was a tonic to all ranks.”
Military Cross (MC)

Sources

Photo