Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

No. 3 Commando, 1st Commando Brigade, 11th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

July 12th, 1945

"During the battle for the Essel bridgehead on April 11th 1945, No.3 Commando was heavily counter attacked. Tpr Thomas was in a forward exposed position nad fifteen enemy were withtin 50 yds of his slit trench. He was wounded in the shoulder and a NCO beside him in the slit trench, was killed at the beginning of the action.In spite of these handicaps he continued to fire his bren gun over a period of one and a half hours with such effect that the attack was held up and then beaten off. Tpr Thomas accounted for 4 enemy killed and 6 more wounded. His complete coolness in the face of heavy enemy opposition was an inspiration to all."