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Thanks to my friend Paul E. from England--we here can now enjoy some information and soon photos--of a few Victoria Cross Recipients.
Thanks to my friend Paul--I now can add a VERY honorable mans signature to my humble little collection. The signature of Captain Richard Wallace Annand. WW2 Victoria Cross Recipient.
This book: "Beyond Praise" by: Stephen D. Shannon, is a well written book about all 11 men from the Durham Light Infantry Regiment, who were awarded the coveted Victoria Cross, for gallantry in action.
The man a stated above Captain Richard Wallace Annand, indeed was a very brave soldier. If im not believed--just read below.
He was in the 2nd Btn Durham Light Infantry as a 2nd Leftenant. Was with the BEF in France, landing at Cherbourg on Sept 26th.
In October, his Btn moved to Bercu near Lille, on the Belgian frontier. His Btn dug trenches-fixed barbed wire and built concrete pillboxes, for the long months of what was soon to become known as "The Phony War".
Early morning May 10th 1940, the German Blitzkrieg hit Belgium. The BEF crossed the border into Belgium as part of a plan to do so in case of attack. In 2 days, the 2 D.L.I, were part of the 6th Bde of the 2nd Division which ws in position on the River Dyle; east of Brussels.
Btn H.Q. was established in the village of La Tombe, with 3 companies moving into the valley with "A" on the right, "B" in the center, and "D" to the left defending the Vital road bridge. "C" company was sent across the river to watch for movement.
This wasnt an ideal position, as the land rose steeply to La Tombe and had many trees and thick undergrowth which hampered observation. The Durhams, knew the River Dyle had to be held at all costs and were told it would be 10 days before the Germans could reach the river. They immediately began to build and improve defences.
May 13th, the first refugees and defeated Belgian and French soldiers began to cross "D" companys bridge. They reported German Armored Cars were only hours from the river. Work was hurried as rumors of Fallschirmjager had been seen in the woods. At 11 pm that night, "C" company was ordered to withdraw and destroyed their bridge.
At about 4 pm the next afternoon, May 14th, German Armored Cars and Motorcycles were halted at a roadblock consisting of wooden carts which was held by "C" company.
After a short but intense fight, the Durhams withdrew without loss across the river. About dawn May 15th, the German assault began with Mortar fire on "D" companys positions near the ruined bridge. Their company commander, Captain Bill Hutton was badly wounded. The main German attack hit 16th Platoon commanded by 2nd Leftenant Annand.
From his Citation:
About 11 am the enemy launched a violent attack and pushed forward a bridging party into the sunken bottom of the river. Second Leftenant Annand attacked this party but when ammo ran out, he went forward himself over open ground, with total disregard for enemy mortar and machinegun fire. Reaching the top of the bridge, he drove out the party below, inflicting over 20 casualties with handgrenades. Having been wounded he rejoined his platoon, had his wound dressed, and then carried on in command.
During the evening another attack was launched and again, 2nd Leftenant Annand went forward with handgrenades and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.
Captain Annand led the few survivors of his platoon away from their positions in the early hours of May 16th. He learned that his orderly-Pvte Joseph Hunter had been wounded in his head and legs--unable to walk and was left behind. Despite his own severe wounds--Leftenant Annand immediately returned alone to the deserted positions and found his missing man.
Helping his wounded Pvte into an abandoned wheelbarrow, he set out after the rest of his battalion. All was going well untill they came upon a felled tree blocking their path. Weak from exhaustion and unable to lift the wounded soldier over the obstruction, Richard Annand was forced to leave Joseph Hunter in a shelter of an empty trench and go for help.
When he finally reached his old company HQ, it was deserted. Using his last reserves of energy, he set out again in search of help and was eventually found by one of 2nd Btns surviving carriers commanded by 2nd Leftenant Hugh Lyster-Todd. Only then did Richard Annand collapse unconscious through loss of blood and exhaustion.
My hat is off to Captain Richard Wallace Annand!!!!!
[ 31 October 2001: Message edited by: C.Evans ]
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Lost are only those, who abandon themselves) Hans-Ulrich Rudel.
 
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