Lieutenant Harold Riley, 'B' Troop, was awarded the Military Cross for courage and great devotion to duty whilst serving with the Army in North-West Europe.

On 23 Jan.,  'B' Tp 45 (RM) Cdo. was held up by heavy MG and rifle fire during the advance on Linne. Lt. Riley was ordered to take his section and probe forward on the left. As soon as the section moved off they drew heavy MG and mortar fire on themselves from two well sited and dug enemy posts. Lt. Riley immediately assaulted these positions leading his section with great dash and resolution. In the face of fierce resistance two MG posts were cleared by him with grenade and TSMG fire, all the enemy being killed.

Before the remainder of his troop could come to his assistance the enemy counter attacked vigorously. There was no time to arrange a defensiive position.  Lt. Riley followed by his men met the enemy in the open and broke up the attack, killing twelve and wounding several more. Throughout the whole day's fighting Lt Riley's coolness and high spirits were an outstanding example and inspiration to all ranks. The success in obtaining the footing across the Vloot Bleek, from which the final attack on Linne was launched, was largely due to Lt. Riley's aggressive action.