Meredith, John Thomas

Date of birth:: January 11th, 1905 (Grantham/Lincs, United Kingdom)
Date of death:: February 25th, 1964 (Leicester, United Kingdom)
Nationality:: British

Biography

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Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Warrant Officer 1st Class
Unit:: 1st Battalion (The Leicestershire Regiment), 15th Indian Infantry Brigade, Indian 11th Infantry Division, Indian III Corps, Malaya Command
Awarded on:: December 13th, 1945

"On 11th Feb 42, the remnants of the Bn were holding a perimeter position astride Jarang Road at about 8,5 M.S. together with some Indian Troops of different Bns and Bdes, and some Australian A.S.C. Personnel. The enemy attacked this position from the West, S.W. and South while the Bn was awaiting the arrival of the 3/16th Punjabi from the N.W. prior to an ordered withdrawal towards Bukit Timah.

As the enemy pressure from the SW. increased TSM. Meredith on his own initiative organised a local counter attack with about 20 men of different units which he led with intrepidity and determination, advancing about 300 yards. The enemy were temporarily driven back several hundred yards leaving 14 dead on the ground. RSM Meredith killed several himself both with revolver and rifle during the attack. He brought back two enemy Tommy guns.

The example of absolute fearlessness set, and the powers of leadership shown, bu this WO were of the highest order on this occasion as on many others without his bold and well tamed action which relieved the enemy pressure on the S.W. at a critical moment it was doubtful whether the forces would have been able to make a successful withdrawal to the S.W. since the enemy at this time began to attack the position from the direction of Bukit Timah also. Whenever enemy bombs, artillery, mortar, M.G. or rifle fire came down on troops anywhere nearby, RSM. Meredith was always walking coolly about steadying and encouraging the men and attending to wounded.

His example really has been an inspiration to all at all times of stress."