Award BEM Cpl. J.R. Denton, Royal Air Force Bomb Disposal

brithm · Jun 28, 2022

Award British Empire Medal Corporal Jack Raymond Denton (929828), Royal Air Force Bomb Disposal

In October, 1944, Corporal Denton was detailed with others to clear hotels in Blankenberghe of mines and booby traps. One day an explosion occurred when a trip-wire was fouled and some members of the party were badly wounded. Immediately after the casualties had been evacuated Corporal Denton and 2 other non-commissioned officers continued with their hazardous work until its completion some 5 days later.

For a period of 6 weeks in 1944, Corporal Denton was engaged continuously on mine field clearance at an airfield. Throughout this period he and his section detected, neutralised and lifted large numbers of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, many of which were booby-trapped and buried in marshy land, flooded ditches and thick undergrowth.

In November, 1944, a captured enemy tank was used to push and pull a heavy roller over unchecked areas between the mine belts which had already been located and cleared. Corporal Denton volunteered to drive the tank and continued to do so for several days. Although no anti-tanik mines were functioned by the tank, he was fully aware of the risk of serious injuries or death. Corporal Denton has been employed on bomb disposal duties since January, 1941.
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ChrisR · Jun 29, 2022

Denton -

Back row 7th from left.

ChrisR · Jun 30, 2022

Booby-traps referred to in citation -

And the tank involved -

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Award BEM Cpl. J.R. Denton, Royal Air Force Bomb Disposal

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Award BEM Cpl. J.R. Denton, Royal Air Force Bomb Disposal

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