"Tom Renouf, who has died aged 91, was awarded a Military Medal in the Battle of the Rhine Crossing in Germany in 1945 and subsequently had a distinguished career as a research scientist and teacher. In March 1945 Renouf, who was serving with the 5th Battalion The Black Watch (5 BW), took part in the forced crossing of the Rhine. During the assault, the leading company was held up by intense and accurate machine gun fire short of the village of Esserden. Renouf, then a lance-corporal in command of a section, realised the vital importance of continuing to push forward and, ignoring the heavy fire, worked his way up to the nearest machine gun post. He hurled a grenade at it, then charged in and killed or captured the gunners. His company came under withering fire from a group of houses close by. Renouf feared that they would take very heavy losses unless quick action was taken and, entirely on his own initiative, he led his section across 70 yards of open, bullet-swept ground to attack these houses. Having forced an entry into the first of the buildings, he killed or took prisoner all the enemy inside and went on to clear the rest of the area of resistance. The citation for the award to him of an Immediate MM paid tribute to his magnificent dash and inspired bravery. Thomas Joseph Renouf was born on March 28 1925 at Fisherrow, Musselburgh, East Lothian, and was educated at Musselburgh Grammar School. Always known as Tom, he was captain of the 1st XV which was undefeated during his captaincy. In 1943, Renouf enlisted in the 2nd Battalion The London Scottish. He was later posted to the 1st Battalion The Tyneside Scottish (Black Watch) and on D-Day + 4, he landed in France. He was involved in the breakout from the beachhead at Bréville, near Caen. On July 1 1944, the Tyneside Scottish were disbanded after the Battle of Rauray and he volunteered to serve with the 5th Bn. The Black Watch." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2016/07/24/tom-renouf-soldier-and-distinguished-scientist--obituary/
