Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lance-Sergeant

Unit:

No. 2 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, Combined Operations Headquarters, War Office, British Government

Awarded on:

July 5th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Chariot

"On 28 March 1942, during the Commando raid at ST. NAZAIRE, France, Sgt. Challington was in an assault group whose task was to destroy enemy coastal defence guns covering the Dry Dock Area. Disembarking from the burning bows of HMS CAMPBELTOWN on to the dock gates, sgt. Challington immediately engaged the enemy guncrews who were on the roof of the Pumping Station and whose plunging fire was intense in the immediate area. Under his devastating covering fire, the assault onto the roof of the Pumping Station and the consequent destruction of the crews and guns was successfully completed. Later, when his assault group formed a covering force in the area in which the demolitions were taking place, this NCO, showing total disregard for his own safety, engaged and knocked out an enemy machine gun position which was bringing heavy fire to bear on the Operational HQ. Continuing to display great courage and initiative, his group later became engaged in the street fighting in the town of ST. NAZAIRE and during the fighting he alone engaged an enemy motor cycle combination which approached at high speed firing an automatic gun from the sidecar.

During this street fighting, this NCO's dash and initiative was outstanding and with a small party he managed to regain the open country through the town in an attempt to escape to Spain. He was captured only after organising other members of his party to set off in pairs to freedom."