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NX54034 - CHRISTOFF, George Joseph, Sgt.
Nominal Roll details
Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
"Sgt Christoff was in charge of an armoured Car and on 21/23 January,
1942 whilst the Battalion were in a position at YONG PENG was detailed
to proceed along the YONG PENG - MUAR Rd beyond the forward British line
(occupied by the LOYALS and NORFOLKS) and endeavour to ascertain the
position regarding 2/19 and 2/29 Battalions who had been cut off by the
enemy.
With great daring and dash he took his car through the enemy's rear
where he interrogated natives. He subsequently drove further and was
only stopped when an enemy road block was encountered. He had several
encounters with the enemy but returned without having contacted troops
of 2/19 and 2/29 Battalions.
The next morning, as a result of information that some men of the two
cut off Battalions were trying to return, he again went on the same
journey, this time locating one officer and nineteen men of the two
Battalions, which he ferried back to our position.
Sgt Christoff made four trips with his Armoured car on that day, each
time encountering the enemy. The bravery, courage and inspirational
devotion to duty shown by Sgt Christoff on this occasion was later
repeated by a similar exploit on 31 January, 1942 at KULAI. and I
recommend that his bravery be rewarded by the award of the Distinguished
Conduct Medal."
(Source: 2/30 Bn.
Archives - originally transcribed from the
Diary of Brigadier D.S. Maxwell by The Army Museum Sydney
Foundation in 1998.)
Epilogue
Sgt. Christoff was killed in
action at Senai on 30/1/1942 (not 31/1/1942 as per above) while
patrolling in Armoured Car (Angel). He went forward to the 23
mile peg, turned around and was then attacked and chased by 4
enemy planes. Sgt. Christoff was killed as the car neared the 18
mile peg. His remains were buried in the P.W.D. lawn, 80 yards
beyond the 17 mile peg on the left hand side of road. He was
awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for this action.
His remains were not recovered after the War and the search was
abandoned.
See Galleghan's Greyhounds, page
175 for further details.
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Last updated
31/08/2021 |
