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NX70435 - ANDERSON, Roderic Henry, Maj.
Nominal Roll details
Military
Cross (MC)
"On 25 January, 1942, Major R H Anderson (Officer in Charge of
"A" Company) occupied a position North of AYER HITAM cross
roads. In a position approximately one mile north of his
position the 2 LOYALS were in defence. The position occupied by
Major Anderson's Company was approximately one and a half miles
north of the Battalion base position, the connecting road being
of the causeway type, with swamp to a width of 200 yds or more
on both sides. The road intersected by the SUNGEI SEMBRONG over
which a concrete bridge is constructed.
Under Major Anderson's direction intimate endeavours by the
enemy to infiltrate, which commenced about 1230 hrs were dealt
with and some of the attempts were made by a force estimated to
be at least one Company. Subsequently the LOYALS were driven out
of their position and placed under my command. I ordered that
Unit to dispose one Company on the right of the Causeway Road
and their remaining two Companys on the left of the road.
At 1645 hrs the enemy attacked with a strength estimated to be
one Battalion and supporting arms. It became necessary to place
the right Company of 2 LOYALS under Major Anderson's command and
subsequently one further Company of 2 LOYALS was detached to
stop this attack.
Major Anderson's skilful handling of this situation,
particularly in view of the fact that he had under command three
Companys undoubtedly saved the enemy from attacking the main
Battalion base. Throughout this operation this officer displayed
great courage and in visiting his various sectors, his personal
bravery was of a particularly high order. His courage and
bravery was later displayed during withdrawal from the position
he occupied. The withdrawal was timed at last light, but before
orders could be acted upon, an enemy force estimated to be one
Company, attacked and successfully obtained the position held on
the left flank. i.e. West of the Road by 2 LOYALS. This attack
was supported by medium machine guns (MMGs) which were brought right forward under
cover of darkness. One portion of
the enemy force moved down the Causeway road while another force
attempted to out flank our position on the East of the road by
entering the swamp.
During the whole of this time enemy artillery and mortar fire
was being directed towards our position and also the road. On
his own initiative Major Anderson took control of the situation
and enabled the withdrawal of both his own Company and 2 LOYALS
to be carried out with very few casualties. In order to ensure
that the position was clearly understood, this officer
personally supervised the withdrawal of each party and finally
was the last man to leave the position. Throughout the whole of
this day, Major Anderson not only showed that he is possessed of
personal bravery, but by his courage, leadership and efficiency
was the means of defeating an enemy force considerably stronger
than his own, and subsequently in the face of strong opposition
withdrawing his force and 2 LOYALS with very few casualties.
I consider this officer's conduct merits reward and I recommend
that he be awarded the Military Cross."
(Source: 2/30 Bn.
Archives - originally transcribed from the
Diary of Brigadier D.S. Maxwell by The Army Museum Sydney
Foundation in 1998.)
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Last updated
31/08/2021 |
