Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

6th Royal Tank Regiment, 7th Indian Infantry Brigade, 4th Indian Infantry Division, British Indian Army

Awarded on:

March 8th, 1945

"On 27 Sept 1944 at TRIBOLA (MR 696960), this officer led a troop of tanks in support of infantry in a daylight attack. The feature attacked overlooked the side of a valley, the road running along the crest being in view and under enemy fire from the North. It had been impossible to check the road for mines during darkness. Lt. McGrath, consequently, led his troop in the bowl of the valley, coming under heavy gun and mortar fire. The infantry were held up by M.G. fire and had many casualties. The tanks soon came under direct A.P. fire from a S.P. gun, which could not be observed. Lt. McGrath carried on with his task of finding the M.G., his own tank became a casualty, and he changed tanks under heavy fire and carried on leading his troop. His second tank also became a casualty and Lt. McGrath carried on supporting the infantry forward. The slope of the hill caused the track to come off the tank Lt. McGrath was in, he got out and examined the track and attempted to repair the damage.

This was impossible without a recovery vehicle, the examination was done under direct M.G. fire. Lt. McGrath then called up his Squadron Leader and asked for another tank to be sent forward for him. This was done. By now the infantry were thin on the ground, but on the objective with Lt. McGrath in support. He remained in position at darkness.

During the night it rained, and a counter attack was made by the enemy and the remnants of the company returned to a firm base. Lt. McGrath's tank, in manoeuvring, shed a track due to the wet conditions. The area, by this time, was under constant mortar fire. Lt. McGrath organised the evacuation of the crews from the damaged tanks and made plans to cover them by artillery defensive fire. He then led the crews back into our lines.

His conduct under adverse conditions and his regard of personal danger were an example to his troops. Due to his ability and resource, tank support was provided for the infantry, then badly needed, under extremely difficult conditions.

2 OCt 44
Place - TRIBOLA MR 696960.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

8th Troop, 6th Royal Tank Regiment, 7th Armoured Brigade, XIII Corps, British Army

Awarded on:

July 19th, 1945

"On 12 April 45 Lieut McGrath was in command of 8 troop during the crossing of the SANTERNO River. His troop was first across. To make this possible many recce had to be made on foot under heavy shell and mortar fire. Lieut McGrath linked up with the infantry he was to support, and the Assault bridging personnel during the day. Elements of 3 and 4 Bns were across the river and holding the WEST floodbank against stiff opposition, 6 Bn were due to pass through. The exist from the WEST floodbank was completely open and the bank about 30 ft high. This meant that tanks crossing were exposed for several minutes, with their belly showing. During this operation Lieut McGrath's tanks were fired at by S.P. guns. He completed the crossing and by great efforts first supported 3 Bn to a limited objective, then switched to 4 Bn and assisted them into houses they were due to capture to act as firm base for 6 Bn. During this time Lieut McGrath made many recces on foot, despite heavy fire from S.Ps, mortars and spandau. He captured several prisoners single handed whilst out of his tank. It was now getting dark and he made his last recce to contact infantry of 6 Bn, whose tanks were no yet across the river. He agreed to support them until relieved. All this work was done under heavy spandau and shellfire, and amongst country where two tanks later were attacked by bazooka team. By Lieut McGrath's untiring energy and complete disregard for personal danger the infantry were firmly established in an enlarged bridgehead, with tank support, by last light."
25 Apr 45

Awarded as bar on the ribbon of the first medal