Award BEM Cpl. E.R.C. Melville, RAFVR Bomb Disposal

brithm · Jun 28, 2022

Award British Empire Medal (Military Division) Cpl Edmund Robert Cox Melville (1556525), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Corporal Melville has been engaged in bomb disposal duties since October, 1941. "He landed with the invasion forces on D-Day and assisted in clearing mines and other enemy munitions from sites which were urgently required for special purposes. All types of mines and many bombs and grenades were successfully dealt with. On one occasion Corporal Melville and his section received information that a mine had exploded and had caused casualties. Without hesitation they proceeded to the scene and cleared a lane of mines, recovering 4 dead persons and rescuing a young boy who was seriously injured.

In September, 1944, whilst working on mine clearance of an area required for use as a glider strip, an "S" mine exploded within ten yards of Corporal Melville, causing 5 casualties of which one was fatal. Although he had a narrow escape and suffered from shock, Corporal Melville was ready, when called upon, to continue his hazardous duties.

During a period of 6 weeks when an airfield was being cleared of mines, he set an example to all ranks by the speed and efficiency with which he located and neutralised all types of enemy mines. Leading a section of 3 men, he cleared 2,062 anti-personnel Schu-mines, apart from many other mines of different types.

On one day his section recovered and rendered safe as many as 336 Schu-mines. The rapid completion of the work was materially helped by his skill, leadership and determination. Corporal Melville is an exceptional courageous and determined worker and is completely unperturbed by any of the disturbing circumstances which frequently arise in the course of his hazardous work.
Click to expand...

Log in or Sign up

Award BEM Cpl. E.R.C. Melville, RAFVR Bomb Disposal

brithm Senior Member

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Award BEM Cpl. E.R.C. Melville, RAFVR Bomb Disposal

brithm Senior Member

Share This Page

Useful Searches