NX15405 - McALISTER, Albert James, A/U/WO2

 

 

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NX15405 - McALISTER, Albert James, A/U/WO2

Nominal Roll details

Military Medal (MM)

"Sgt. McAlister was in command of one section of mortars at GEMAS and throughout that action was responsible for the destruction of one enemy tank, one heavy and at least 3 light Machine Guns in addition to a very large number of enemy personnel. His leadership of his section showed outstanding bravery and despite enemy shelling of his mortar position and subsequent low-level bombing by aircraft he continued to use his mortar with serious results to the enemy.

This man's personal and brave leadership was witnessed by me and considering his continuing to fire would be dangerous to his crew I ordered the temporary cessation of fire. Not until that order was issued was the mortar out of action from the time the battle commenced.

Later at AYER HITAM on 25 January, 1942, Sgt. McAlister's Mortar Section was forward with "A" Company. He personally manned an observation post (OP) and directed the fire of his Mortar for a period of 24 hrs. The only position available for the effective performance of his duties was exposed, there being no other cover than lalang grass.

He subsequently assumed control of a third mortar from the LOYAL Regiment, and with these three weapons was responsible for the destruction of an enemy field gun, several groups of infantry and two light machine guns (LMGs). He organised his enlarged mortar section for a counter battery task on Japanese Artillery when the orders to withdraw were received.

Again this NCO showed commendable courage, bravery and leadership, and I recommend that he be awarded the Military Medal."

(Source: originally transcribed from the Diary of Brigadier D.S. Maxwell by The Army Museum Sydney Foundation in 1998.)

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Last updated  04/06/2024