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NX55561 - HALL, Leslie Gordon, Sgt.
Letter from Lieutenant
Colonel F.G. Galleghan, DSO., ED. to Les Hall -
26/1/1969
In 1969, Black Jack sent the
following letter to Les Hall:
"Dear Les,
The following is a copy of my
citation for you after action. You will note date 1.3.42. You
were No. 1 on my list of O.R.'s and I very much regret that your
sterling service was not recognised with the D.C.M. which you so
richly earned."
2/30 Bn. A.I.F., Malaya. 1
Mar. '41
CITATION
Aust. Inf. Bde.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
DECORATIONS - OPERATIONS N. OF GEMAS - 13/16 FEB. '42
Further to the list of
officers for whom decorations were recommended, I submit my
recommendations for other Ranks as follows: -
D.C.M.: - NX55561 Sgt. L.G.
HALL
During the action at GEMAS on
14/15 Jan '42, Sgt HALL displayed conspicuous gallantry and
devotion to duty.
Soon after contact was made
with the enemy patrols on the afternoon of 14 Jan '42 the signal
communications with the forward Coy (B. Coy in ambush position 2½
in front of main position) was cut and Sgt HALL and two other
signalmen were sent out to repair the line. These men were
ambushed and one wounded before they reached the point where the
break had been made. Sgt. Hall then went out with the two other
men and patrolled forward to the scene of the break in the wire,
ascertaining that an enemy party of approx one platoon with two
L.M.G. were in position there, this information he passed back
by tapping our cable and sending by morse code. He desired to
continue but was instructed by the C.O. to return. On reporting
back he sort permission to take a larger patrol out to dislodge
the enemy and this was granted, Sgt ARNEIL and a party from A.
Coy being placed under his orders. This party attacked the enemy
with great dash and drove them back, inflicting severe
casualties. The papers of one officer among the enemy casualties
were obtained by HALL and brought back to Bn. H.Q. The example
of Sgt HALL'S determination to restore communication with the
forward Coy on this occasion was an inspiration to his men, all
of whom were fighting their first battle , and his own personal
bravery and devotion to duty, even beyond that of his own job,
was of the highest order, not only on the afternoon of 14 Jan
'42, but also during the action the following day when contact
was made with the enemy's main force.
I have no
hesitation in recommending that Sgt. HALL be awarded the
Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery and courage on this
occasion."
(Submitted by
Lieutenant Colonel F.G. Galleghan, DSO., ED., later Brigadier
Sir Frederick Galleghan, DSO., ED).
(Source: 2/30 Bn.
Archives - copy of letter sent to Les Hall)
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Last updated
24/08/2022 |
