Award Military Medal Cpl Ambrose Albert ELWELL (7518447) 157th Field Ambulance, RAMC

brithm · May 17, 2021

W/S Corporal. Ambrose Albert Elwell (7518447) 157th Field Ambulance, RAMC, 157th Infantry Brigade, 52nd (Lowland) Division, 30 Corps

Near HOLTEBUTTEL just north of VERDEN on the evening of 19th April, 1945, Cpl. Elwell showed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading his RAMC stretcher bearer squad across over 80 yards of open ground under enemy observation and fire. A smoke screen had been laid to assist him but was ineffective. Although he observed the requirements of the Geneva Convention the enemy opened fire soon after he exposed himself. In spite of this being his first experience under fire, he held his men together and with great firmness he continued towards the few trees where the wounded were lying. There he rendered first aid and brought back two stretcher cases and a number of walking wounded while he was the target of sniper fire.
While these were being evacuated a further 100 yards by infantry volunteer bearers, one of them was killed and three wounded. Undaunted Cpl. Elwell returned with a squad across the open ground to the trees for the remaining stretcher case and a few more walking wounded. No more smoke was available. He was unable to move for a considerable time as any movement brought down fire on the position.
Eventually he made a dash with the stretcher across the 80 yards of open ground and brought the patients to safety. Throughout two hours he showed great courage and calmness and was an inspiration to the surrounding infantrymen who were fighting under very trying conditions and had suffered heavy casualties.
Unfortunately Cpl. Elwell was wounded himself on 20th April
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WO 373/55/528

LG 21st August 1945

mark abbott · May 17, 2021

A superb citation.

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Award Military Medal Cpl Ambrose Albert ELWELL (7518447) 157th Field Ambulance, RAMC

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Award Military Medal Cpl Ambrose Albert ELWELL (7518447) 157th Field Ambulance, RAMC

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