Lance Bombardier Samuel Daniels was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Italy.

During Operation Impact Royal on 13 April 1945 this unit landed from Fantails on the South West shore of Lake Comacchio aprroximately three miles from Fossa Marina with the intention of advancing to the canal and capturing the bridge before demolition by the enemy.

On 13 April this NCO's Troop was forming up on the start line for the final attack on the canal bridge when a Spandau opened fire on the Troop from approximately 20 yards distance. Without the slightest hesitation Lance Bombardier Daniels immediately charged this position, killing two of the occupants with a hand grenade, picked up the light machine gun and hurled it at another weapon pit occupied by Boche, and then returned to his Troop with the information that immediate opposition had been destroyed. In this action it was only due to this NCO's immediate and fearless action in dealing with the enemy opposition that casualties were not inflicted on the Troop on the start line before the attack was launched.

After, during the attack, this NCO led the forward sub-section through a maze of houses, all of which were occupied by German light machine gun Schmeisser positions. It was only on account of this NCO's dash and determination in dealing with one position after another that the Troop was able to advance through these houses on to its ultimate objective.

At one period, as the Troop was advancing round the back of a house, an enemy gun behind a wall opened fire on it at point blank range. Lance Bombardier Daniels, without the slightest hesitation and consideration for his own safety, jumped on the gun, fired a burst of his tommy-gun into the turret, and killed or captured the crew single handed. Had this gun remained intact the success of the whole operation of the entire commando would have been jeopardized. During the whole battle this NCO was invariably the first to enter any enemy occupied building or attack any enemy position. he led his Section with determination, skill, and courage. In spite of his personal courage he always concentrated on his responsibilities to his Section which carried out some splendid fighting under his confident, skilful and courageous command.

 

The death of LBdr. Samuel Daniels, MM. (9 Cdo) of Billinge, Lancs. was announced in Commando Association newsletter 83 issued September 1986.