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NX47279 - BREESE, John Frederick, Pte.
Nominal Roll details
Military Medal (MM)
"In this Unit's first action at GEMAS, Pte. Breese's Company was
on 15 January, 1942 attacked by enemy tanks in addition to heavy
machine gun and rifle fire.
Breese throughout this fire maintained a deliberate and accurate
fire with his Anti Tank rifle fire, inflicting such damage to
one vehicle as to cause it's crew to abandon it. which resulted
in them all being killed. The accuracy of his Anti Tank rifle
fire also caused another tank to deviate from its course, which
enabled his platoon to occupy an alternate position which was
less vulnerable to tank attack.
To perform these actions it was necessary for Breese to go
forward and occupy a position not dug in and to fire in very
quick time 50 rounds with an Anti Tank Rifle. It resulted in his
hearing becoming impaired together with further physical
disabilities. Despite this he continued to fight with his
platoon till 21 January, 1942 when he was evacuated to hospital,
rejoining his Company on 8 February, 1942.
On 12 February, 1942 at MANDAI Road position his personal
courage and devotion to duty were responsible for the success of
a patrol which eliminated a number of enemy from a strongly held
position.
This man, by his personal courage, bravery and exemplary conduct
has been an inspiration to all the members of his Company 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 |
