1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment 1944-45 - Awards and Citations
Lance-Corporal Albert Edward WHITE (14424131)
Albert White was recommended by Lieut.-Col. M. R. J. Hope-Thomson on the 26th February 1945 for an immediate Military Medal.
Military Medal (London Gazette date 3rd May 1945)
Citation:
“On 16th February 1945 during Operation VERITABLE, in the fighting SOUTH of CLEVES, Lance-Corporal WHITE was in command of one of the leading sections of the Battalion. His Platoon had to assault an enemy strongpoint in the BLACKNIK area which was holding up the deployment of the whole battalion, and had already repelled two attacks. Having received his orders Lance-Corporal WHITE let his section coolly and steadily towards his objective across open country and exposed to heavy shellfire. As increasingly heavy Spandau fire. He spotted the post that was causing most of the trouble and, shouting encouraging words to his men, he promptly led them straight in and with the bayonet stormed the place. All the enemy were either killed or wounded. The fierceness and determination of Lance-Corporal WHITE’s section assault completely overawed the enemy nearby and enabled the remaining sections to get a foothold within the main strongpoint area. The leadership and offensive spirit shown by Lance-Corporal WHITE in this assault and his disregard for the heavy enemy fire, were undoubtedly a major factor in the success of the assault. The foothold thus gained within the strongpoint area enabled the quick clearing up of the remaining posts, and in turn permitted the Battalion to deploy in the open. Had Lance-Corporal WHITE hesitated or displayed other than extreme bravery in a moment of emergency, it is probable that it would have had an adverse effect on the whole of the battalion operation.”
Background:
Albert White was from Southampton.