Lieutenant Alan Tate, 'E' Troop, was awarded the Military Cross for courage and great devotion to duty during operations at Bell Isle, Osen, on the River Maas near Roermond [1][2].

On the night of 27/28 January 45RM Commando carried out a raid on enemy territory (Bell Isle [3] .....more) which involved crossing the River Maas near Roermond. D Troop carried out this raid and Lt Tate with nine men of E Troop was detailed to hold a bridgehead through which D Troop was to withdraw. At 0100hrs twenty enemy attempted to rush the bridgehead position, supported by bazookas.

Although Tate's position was exposed he held it firmly, killing one officer and 8 of the enemy, and wounding as many more. His complete coolness and control of the position enabled him to beat off this attack, and later to withdraw his sub section and the wounded from D Troop, for the loss of one slight casualty [2].