Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Second-Lieutenant

Unit:

4th battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry, 159th Infantry Brigade, 11th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

Citation:
"At dawn on 22 Sep 44 this Offr was detailed to lead the adv of the Bn out of the br head established on the BOIS-LE-DUC canal, to the town of ASTEN.
The br head proved to be only 50 yards deep and the exit from it down the main rd was under hy SA fire and mortar fire, and was defended by a determined enemy. Furthermore 2/Lieut Bratland's Pl was going into action with a large proportion of reinforcements with no previous battle eperience.
Lieut Bratland therefore, took charge of the leading section personally. He immediately came under hy fire from an enemy MG post some 15 yards away and this temporarily held up the adv of the Pl. 2/Lieut Bratland with complete disregard for his personal safety, immediately crawled fwd under hy fire fire flung two grenades into the post and then himself rushed th post and silenced it with his Sten gun, killing or wounding the six members of the post. By his gallant action, mobility was restored to the pl and the adv was continued.
Throughout the action, this Offr continued to show powers of leadership and personal bravery of the highest order. He was continually with the leading sec encouraging and leading his men and there is no doubt but that the successful attack on and capture of ASTEN was in a large measure due to the example set by this Offr and the consequent excellent work done by his pl.
It should be remembered that 2/Lieut Bratland is a NORWEGIAN Offr and therefore has a language barrier to overcome when dealing with Br tps. This makes his action all the more outstanding."

drawn up 6 October 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With oak leave.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

1980