Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards, 24th Guards Brigade, 56th (London) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

December 13th, 1945

"For outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty over the period under consideration Captain PONSONBY has fought throughout this campaign and has continuously displayed complete coolness and has set a very high example to those under his command. It was on 18th Apr 1945 at CHIESA DEL BANDO, Captain PONSONBY was in command of a Company ordered to do a night action. The start of the attack was delayed and by daylight the final objectives had not been taken. Captain PONSONBY led his Company forward over a deep enemy minefield and heavy small arms fire and shelling regardless of his own personal safety. When in the village he suddenly came face to face with an enemy tank. This immediately opened fire on his Company and Captain PONSONBY coolly went round reorganising the Company, though he himself was under continuous fire from the tank. The attack which he put in was so successful that the tank withdrew out of danger.

It is by his continued coolness, example and courage in the face of great danger that inspired his en to continue forward. He never gave a thought to his own personal safety and he was always encouraging the men who were in the greatest danger, and always in the lead himself. His conduct, which as beyond all praise, was more than the execution of normal duty."