Private Robert King, from Aberdeen, was wounded in April 1945 at Lake Comacchio, Italy, and subsequently awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service. He had previously been wounded on 3 February 1944 in Italy.

In Op. Roast which took place from 1 - 4 Apr. 45 the task of this unit was to carry out an opposed landing on the western side of the spit of land between Lake Comacchio and the Adriatic and destroy or capture all enemy troops and material in this area. This task was completed, resulting in the capture of 1,000 PW's by the Cdo Bde and elimination of the entire enemy force in this area.

The early part of this Op consisted of a most exhausting journey over Lake Comacchio in Stormboats which had to be pushed or paddled most of the way due to engine breakdowns of shallowness of water. All craft had to be pushed approximately 2,000 yds before shore could be reached and everyone almost without exception was physically exhausted before the actual battle began.

This Medical Orderly was wounded in the mouth very early on in this operation. At the same time, seven men became casualties from grenades and small arms fire.

With complete disregard for his own wound L/C King attended to each man in turn and was still engaged in this task when three more stonks fell in his position inflicting a further 15 casualties.

The entire area in which he was operating was covered by enemy defensive fire tasks and he carried out his duties under continual and intense enemy fire. Although wounded and in a most exposed position he dealt with one casualty after another with complete disregard for his own safety or his wound.

After dressing all the badly wounded men of his troop he returned to the RAP (Regimental Aid Post) with the first batch of casualties where he had his own wound dressed. Afterwards he immediately returned to the final positions again and proceeded to deal with further casualties.

On one occasion he made his way over open ground covered by enemy fixed lines of fire to deal with a casualty who had been lying out in the open. During this journey he captured four prisoners of war and with their assistance he evacuated the casualty back to his Troop Aid Post and again went forward single handed to deal with further wounded men.

All together, this orderly dealt with 30 casualties single handed before they were evacuated to the RAP and it was only due to his utter disregard for his own safety and own wound, and his determination to evacuate or attend to every casualty that occurred, that many of these men were not either killed or captured in later stages of the battle.

Throughout the Op L/C King displayed exemplary courage and efficiency, and his devotion to duty whilst dealing with casualties was of the highest order.