Army Chaplains/Padre's

I had the honour and pleasure to meet Mark Green formerly Captain The Reverend Mark Green M.C., padre to the 24th Lancers in Normandy and after their disbandment padre to the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards. He was a regular attendee at the 24th Lancers Old Comrades lunch each March. I was there in the company of my father in his later years.
He was held in much respect by the Lancers but was awarded his M.C. in recognition of his service and bravery in an action at Tripsrath with the 4th/7th RDG. Several RDG tanks had been knocked out, but the enemy command of the road and heavy artillery action made it extremely hazardous to recover the crews. On two consecutive days Mark Green took his Honey tank forward to collect casualties and to give encouragement, walking between tanks with a total disregard for his own safety. His example enabled the early evacuation of many casualties.

He also recalled driving one side of a hedgerow in Normandy oblivious to the squadron of Sherman tanks behind the hedge awaiting the order to advance or begin their shoot, until a quiet voice through the hedge advised him to make himself scarce, which he duly did.

Tim