Award DCM C.S.M. R.J. Philp, 5th Bn Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry

brithm · Feb 1, 2022

Award Distinguished Conduct Medal C.S.M. Reginald John Philp, 5th Bn Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry (Bude) (5437087)

At approximately 1900 hrs on 22nd September 1944 the abovenamed WO was travelling in a carrier in the battalion column during the operation move from Oosterhout to Driel. A gap had been caused in the column owing to the picking up of marching personnel and as a result CSM Philp found himself to be in the leading vehicle. Whilst he was endeavouring to close this gap he ran into five Tiger tanks approaching from the opposite direction. Both parties drew aside to allow passage and it was not until the third tank was approaching that that CSM Philp realised that they were enemy tanks, whereupon he immediately stood on top of his carrier and opened fire with a German Spandau in his possession, which resulted in the killing of the tank commander. The tank then opened fire and sprayed the carrier and its occupants were forced to jump from the vehicle and take cover in ditch. CSM Philp then made his way back along his original route and contacted the soft vehicles in the rear. His information thus enabling a detour to be made avoiding the tanks. His company commander met the remaining convoy and CSM Philp joined the company commander on a tank hunting expedition, his information again enabling a trap to be set for returning tanks, which was responsible for the destruction of four of the enemy tanks. During the whole of this operation he showed complete coolness and disregard for his personal safety and all this time he was suffering from wounds in the face received from artillery fire
Click to expand...

WO 373/51/404

Western Morning News 19th October 1944

Chris C · Nov 18, 2024

The account in the DCLI official history of Philp's carrier meeting the Tigers. The account of the ambush is much larger and I was thinking of posting a separate thread about it.

Log in or Sign up

Award DCM C.S.M. R.J. Philp, 5th Bn Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry

brithm Senior Member

Chris C Canadian

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Award DCM C.S.M. R.J. Philp, 5th Bn Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry

brithm Senior Member

Chris C Canadian

Share This Page

Useful Searches