Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards, 1st Guards Brigade, 6th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

December 7th, 1944

"On 29th June, 1944, Lt. B.R. Rudd commanded a long distance patrol composed of his platoon and a section of carriers. The platoon had already held an exposed position in the front line for three days. when some 2 miles in advance of the main position Lt Rudd and his patrol stalked and completely surprised a house containing 15 Germans, seven of whom were killed, and five taken prisoner.

On attempting to make a further advance the patrol was heavily fired upon by spandaus and mortars, from a position which the enemy held in great superior strength.

Lt Rudd, though completely isolated from the remainder of his Battalion, succeeded in maintaining close contact with the enemy throughout the remainder of the day, and throughout the following night.

During darkness the enemy patrolled against Lt Rudd's position, but every attempt to penetrate it was thrown back. Before dawn he moved to fresh positions and continued in observation of the enemy from daylight onwards.

Throughout this long and isolated patrol Lt. Rudd, by his example, his personal courage, energy and initiative, inspired all under his command. The success of the patrol was, without any doubt, due to Lt Rudd's magnificent leadership and tireless determination."


Posthumously awarded