1st KOSB RESEARCHING

B Coy. Divisional Commander's Commendation Card (Feb); led his Platoon in Operation Heather rushing farm buildings held by German parachutists, praised for gallantry; G.O.C.'s Commendation Card, April. pp.56, 61, 64
The wood was very dense and the going impeded by fallen branches cut down by the artillery fire. The advance went steadily on, each bound in turn being reported captured. Soon it became clear that there were enemy in the farms working forward through this clearing sent an S.O.S. for infantry support to clear the buildings. B Company, commanded by Major Gray, was at once detailed for the task. Lieut. Simpson's Platoon was detailed and went forward, the men moving close up behind a troop of tanks to clear the first farm. The garrison, some fifteen German parachutists, proved stubborn and in spite of withering fire from the tanks fought back. Lieut. Simpson's Platoon, led by himself and his Sergeant, fearlessly rushed the buildings and by well placed rifle fire at point blank range forced the defenders out and made them all prisoners. I was a close observer of this action, and the havoc caused to a house by Besa fire from the tanks has to be seen to be believed. They simply pump the tracer bullets into it and within a matter of minutes the whole place becomes a blazing mass—a most heartening sight ! (BCJUN45)CF GJ Simpson