PARSONS, Cecil Douglas

Rank: 
Acting Sergeant
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
5952876
Honours & Awards: 
Sergeant Cecil Parsons, 3 Troop, was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services at Argenta, Italy.
Recommendation
On 17 April 1945 Sgt Parsons was Section Sgt of 3 Tp, No. 2 Commando when his section was ordered to attack the bridges over the canals west of Argenta.
Owing to the formation of the four dykes and the flooded area to the west of the canals, a frontal assault was essential. Shortly after the attack commenced Sgt Parsons' Section Officer became a casualty and Parsons took over command of the section. He led his section with great ability against heavy enemy opposition, to capture the bridge over his area, silencing at least one spandau position himself in the process.
The enemy shortly afterwards counter-attacked in some strength and though out-numbered, Sgt Parsons' Section, sustained by his magnificent coolness and inspiring example, succeeded in repulsing the counter-attack. Sgt Parsons maintained his position against three further counter-attacks during the morning, inflicting considerable loss on the enemy.
Throughout the remainder of the operation Sgt Parsons displayed outstanding leadership, and his fine example inspired great confidence in the remainder of his section.
 
Sources
London Gazette 37235, page 4270.
National Archives file WO373/13/449.
 

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