Marine Neil Patrick was awarded the M.M. for courage and great devotion to duty whilst serving with the Army in North-West Europe [1].

 

23 January 1945 Brachterbeek.

Mne. Patrick was the Bren gunner of a section advancing to contact over very open ground. Suddenly the section came under very heavy SA fire from two well concealed enemy MG positions who had withheld their fire until Mne. Patrick's section had approached to within 100 yards. The section was immediately pinned near a small bank close to the road. Mne. Patrick realised the danger and disregarding the accurate enemy fire which was pinning down his section, he dashed 20yds across the open to a position from which he could engage the enemy posts. This xxxxx with great effect although the position afforded no cover. His prompt action and initiative and complete disregard for personal safety enabled his section to regain the initiative and liquidate the enemy posts. Mne. Patrick's conduct was a shining example of the finest aggressive spirit [2] .