Recommendation for Award for Buchanan, John Charles Rank: Serjeant Service... | The National Archives Reference: WO 373/13/407 Name: Buchanan, John Charles Rank: Serjeant Service No: 7903607 Regiment: North Irish Horse, Royal Armoured Corps Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Military Medal Date of announcement in London Gazette: 23 August 1945 21 Tank Brigade, 8 Indian Infantry Division, 5 Corps 7903607 W/Serjeant John Charles BUCHANAN, NORTH IRISH HORSE On 13 Apr 45 at the crossing of the SANTERNO at Route 16, Sjt. BUCHANAN was Tp Sjt of 2 Tp, B Sqn, N.I.H. supporting the ITALIAN CREMONA GRUPPO. The SANTERNO was very strongly defended at this point. Sjt. BUCHANAN was the leading tk and cleared Route 16 right up to the bridge. Throughout the day a series of attacks were launched to capture the ford. Sjt. BUCHANAN spent much of the time on his feet carrying out recces for his tp and liaising with the ITALIAN Inf. His quick and bold action saved his Tp Ldr’s tk and crew when they were hit by a Panzerfaust. He killed the Panzerfaust firer and advanced right up to the bank, drawing the fire onto himself. This N.C.O. has always set the highest example of courage and skill in the face of the enemy. The successful crossing at this most strategic point was made possible by this N.C.O. Field 7 May 45
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37235/supplement/4270/data.pdf https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37235/supplement/4269/data.pdf https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37235/supplement/4268/data.pdf https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37235/supplement/4267/data.pdf War Office, 23rd August, 1945. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy: — The Military Medal. No. 7903607 Sergeant John Charles BUCHANAN, North Irish Horse, Royal Armoured Corps (Belfast).