Award Military Medal Sgt. J.D. Duffin, 2nd Bn Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Netherlands)

brithm · May 25, 2023

Sgt. James Douglas Duffin, 2nd Battalion The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (2986672)

On 18th September 1944 the battalion was holding a part of the GHEEL bridgehead. TH position necessitated the minimum of movement by day as we were in close touch with the enemy and any movement drew fire and disclosed our positions. That evening a warning was received that an attack by rocket firing typhoons would take place and that everyone should remained under cover. D Company, which was right forward company was involved in this attack. Sgt. Duffin was Platoon Sgt of the forward platoon and seeing that the attack was obviously going to be very close to, if not actually against our own position, left his slit trench and went forward with his Platoon Commander and place the recognition strip in a more prominent position.

This failed to redirect the first attack which caused casualties. As more aircraft were coming in on the same line, this NCO went forward again with his Platoon Commander and stood in the open waving the recognition strip as the aircraft were diving to the attack firing their projectiles. This action undoubtedly saved the lives of many in company locality and indeed, in the bridgehead.

Soon after the aircraft left the enemy staged a severe counter attack. Sgt. Duffin was here, there and everywhere rallying the men of the platoon who whoere very badly shaken by the air attack. In spite of an injured leg which was giving him great pain, he refised to leave the position and his personal example and devotion to duty contributed largely to the repulse of the attack.
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WO 373/52/467

IWM B 12888 Sgt. D. Duffin, 2 A & S.H., receives the MM. 2986672

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Award Military Medal Sgt. J.D. Duffin, 2nd Bn Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Netherlands)

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Award Military Medal Sgt. J.D. Duffin, 2nd Bn Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Netherlands)

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