Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, British Army

Awarded on:

April 12th, 1945

"Sergeant EDWARDS is Pioneer Platoon Sergeant. During the period 11th - 27th January 1945 at TRIPSRATH his platoon was required to clear a considerable area of mines as an essential preliminary to a combined tank/infantry attack on HOVEN. This task was done by night, often under fire and at times well forward of the FDLs. Extreme cold not only made mine lifting a difficult, but with 75s, an extremely hazardous operation. On the 26th January 1945, his Platoon Commander was killed while clearing. Sergeant Edwards, who was present, rallied the party and completed the task.

The following day, he accompanied a patrol leading the way through an area infested with anti-personnel and schu mines, and booby traps.
In assuming command at a critical time, and in his grim determination to succeed, he so inspired his pioneers that their highly dangerous task was completed on time."