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Ansell, Charles Cecil

Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Servicenumber I.A.1127.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant (acting Major)
Unit:
4th Battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment, Indian Army (4th Battalion, 7th Rajput Regiment, Indian Army)
Awarded on:
April 20th, 1944
Citation:
"On 31 December, 1943, during an attack on an enemy strong point containing an M.M.G. bunker, supported by several L.M.G. posts, covering Point 124 on the Arakan Front this officer displayed superb leadership, personal gallantry and a complete disregard for his own personal safety throughout the attack, being severely wounded on two separate occasions in the thigh, arm and stomach.
He personally led his company, shouting encouragement and, having armed himself with a T.S.M.G. taken from the R.A.F.O.O., went forward to recce when his forward troops were held up.
While crossing a belt of machine gun fire he was wounded by a long burst in the thigh and shoulder. In spite of these wounds he carried on and under further intense fire led his men across the two lines of enemy wire and was second into the enemy position, where he received a second burst of M.M.G. fire in the stomach and arm. He continued to carry on reorganising for the next attack and during the lull was assisted back to the F.O.O. position, where he was given morphia. He also under intense fire personally removed two wounded men, one of whom was utterly helpless. It was not until he was personally ordered to go back to the R.A.P. by the C.O. that he finally handed over his company.
His personal example and undaunted courage in spite of severe injuries was an inspiration to his men and his conspicuous tenacity and leadership undoubtedly led his company on to and maintained it in a position from which a further advance to the Battalion’s main objective could be launched."

Published in The London Gazette dated 20th April 1944.
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Sources

  • Photo 1: John Ansell
  • - Citation in respect of the award
    - Letter for investiture at Buckingham Palace
    - Supplement to The London Gazette of 18th April 1944, Issue 36477, dated 20th April 1944

Photo