RALPHS, Edward

Rank: 
Private
Unit / Base: 
7 Commando
'Special Raiding Squadron'
Regiment/Corps: 
South Lancashire Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
3656776
Honours & Awards: 
Private Edward Ralphs was awarded the Military Medal whilst serving in the Special Raiding Squadron [1][2]. He had previously served in No.7 Commando [3].
Recommendation
"In the fighting south of Termoli during the morning of 3 Oct. '43 Pte Ralphs served his bren gun to very good effect while engaging superior enemy forces.
When the Intelligence Officer was wounded he moved his gun forward across exposed ground to cover his evacuation and by daring of his action surprised and killed four of the enemy, wounding several more.
In subsequent fighting west of Termoli while employed as a runner he made repeated journeys with important messages across the open ground between two sectors under very heavy enemy fire.
At the height of a barrage of artillery, mortar and machine gun fire he learned that the crew of an Anti Tank gun had been knocked out. He immediately went forward and evacuated one of the wounded men and, on hearing that there was still another, went back and dragged him to safety. When ten minutes later a machine gun was hit by mortar fire he again went forward to evacuate the wounded although the position was swept by fire.
He stayed on the forward position carrying messages till an enemy flanking movement threatened to cut him off. He then made his way back to our main positions, where during the whole of the following day he manned a Bren L.M.G. in a very exposed position.
Throughout these operations he showed the highest standard of bravery. His coolness and cheerfulness under the heaviest fire were an example to everyone." [2].
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette 36349, page 519.
[2] Award Recommendations / National Archives file WO373/4/302.
[3] Commando Gallantry Awards of WW2, author George Brown.
 

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