Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Bombardier

Unit:

No. 3 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, Combined Operations Headquarters, War Office, British Government

Awarded on:

January 13th, 1944

During operations around the Bocva Marian between 24th August and 5th September 1943, this NCO took part in 2 landings.the object of the first was to capture a prisoner and the second to report by wireless the activities of the enemy around Bagaldi. During the morning of the 28th this patrol of one officer and six other ranks became heavily engaged with between 50 and 60 of the enemy which they kept at bay for over an hour, during which the signallers were able to pack up and take away their wireless, while at least 8 of the enemy were sen to fall.During the action Cpl Pantall played a prominent part .Later in the day his officer left him in charge while he went on a reconnaissance from which he did not return. Cpl Pantall took charge and kept his men concealed throughout the afternoon, although the valley was full of enemy troops and civillians armed with shotguns. He counted 168 enemy in all .During the 29th August he successfully evaded an Italian patrol o fone officer and 20 men although handicapped by the fact that one of his men had malaria , and the two RA signalers were exhausted.On 2nd September his party cut the telephone lines between Melito and Bova Marina. On the 5th September he brought his party into British Lines.Through the operations he kept his men cheerful although he had not the least idea of when the invasion of Italy was to take place , and although their diet consisted mostly of figs.He succeeded in extracting his party, of which throughout only one man was capable of rendering him complete support. He has shown himself to be an excellent NCO.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Bombardier

Unit:

No. 3 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, Combined Operations Headquarters, War Office, British Government

Awarded on:

October 27th, 1944