Captain Anthony Wilkinson was awarded the Military Cross for leadership, gallantry and devotion to duty in Italy on 13 September 1943 [1][2].

"At Vietri sul Mare on 13 September 1943 Captain Wilkinson was commanding the left forward troop in the defile. During the mortar bombardment preceding the attack which the enemy put in on his position Captain Wilkinson was blown from his weapon pit by a mortar bomb which landed two feet away piercing both ear drums.

In the subsequent attack Captain Wilkinson showed great gallantry. The enemy succeeded in infiltrating round the flanks of the position and the troops sufferred heavy casualties.

Realising the seriousness of the position and despite mortar bombs and small arms fire Captain Wilkinson went himself to find out the situation on the flanks and to encourage the men who were fighting against heavy odds.

By his outstanding leadership and disregard for his own safety he inspired his Troop who successfully repulsed the attack inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy" [2].