Award Military Medal 7955829 L/Cpl. Albert John TOWLSON, 9th Bn Royal Tank Regiment

brithm · Jan 21, 2023

Award Military Medal Trooper Acting Paid Lance Cpl. Albert John TOWLSON, 9th Bn Royal Tank Regiment, 34th Armoured Brigade, XXX Corps (7955829)

During the battle for the REICHSWALD FOREST a Churchill Squadron attacked the SIEGFRIED Line extension through the forest at 2230 hrs on the night of 8th-9th February 1945. The night was dark except for artificial moonlight and unfortunately the troop commander’s tank of which Lance-Corporal TOWLSON is the driver, fell into a large, well-camouflaged dug-out. All efforts failed to extricate the tank from the dug-out with the result that it had to be left and the Troop Leader mounted another tank.

The advance continued and the crew were left alone in the middle of this part of the forest with no protection apart from their own personal weapons. There were many enemy left round the position including bazooka teams who repeatedly attacked. A spandau team worked their way towards the tank and engaged the crew who replied with Bren and Sten. Later they came under enemy artillery fire. Despite all this Lance-Corporal TOWLSON rallied the crew together and worked unceasingly throughout the night to free the tank.

By this display of courage and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy, a valuable piece of equipment was saved from destruction and furthermore was brought back into action at the earliest opportunity when it was badly needed.

Lance-Corporal TOWLSON has earned a reputation with his colleagues who have applauded his example and inspired them at a time when the hazards of war were at their worst, all with a complete disregard for his own personal safety.
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WO 373/53/472

brithm · Jan 21, 2023

Long Eaton Advertiser 5th May 1945

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Award Military Medal 7955829 L/Cpl. Albert John TOWLSON, 9th Bn Royal Tank Regiment

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Award Military Medal 7955829 L/Cpl. Albert John TOWLSON, 9th Bn Royal Tank Regiment

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