Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

North Irish Horse, 21st Army Tank Brigade, 1st Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

June 28th, 1945

Citation:
"On 18 September 1944 at the crossing of the River Ausa, Captain Finch-Noyes was 2/I/C A Squadron North Irish Horse who were in support of 1 Royal West Kents (4 British Infantry Division). It was a night crossing. The infantry were caught in defensive fire on their start line, causing confusion; all contact with the infantry. was lost. Captain Finch-Noyes spent the whole night on his feet and by first light had visited every infantry company, knew exactly where everyone was, had found a tank crossing at first light, due entirely to his efforts, the tanks crossed the river and joined up with their correct infantry companies. At first light, he arranged a smoke screen to cover the crossing and continued to conduct the actual crossing of both tanks and other vehicles. During the whole of this operation the actual crossing and its vicinity was under heavy and accurate H.E. and small-arms fire. He did all this on his own initiative and it far exceeded his duty.
During October he was continuously in his line with A Squadron in support of 25 Indian Brigade and did excellent work. On 3 November he was commanding B Squadron in support of 1 Durham Light Infantry crossing River Lamone. The Division Commander, Brigade Commander and Commanding Officer of the 1 Durham Light Infantry all gave the highest possible praise for the tank support they received in this operation. The squadron was finally reduced to two runners. Throughout the period under review the squadron had supported seven different Infantry Brigades without getting a break themselves.
That they continued to win such high praise right up to the end is in itself sufficient tribute to the qualities of this officer. "