The Wartime Memories Project - The Second War

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261085 A/Capt. Edward John Vale CdeG. British Army 1st Btn. Highland Light Infantry from:Walthamstow, Essex Edward Vale was awarded the Croix de Guerre. His citation reads, This officer during the period 26th of June to 31st of August 1944 was the pioneer officer and at all times carried out his duties with a complete disregard for his own safety. In the Haut du Bosq area after having carried out a daylight reconnaissance of a minefield under fire on the nights of the 14th/14 and 15th/16th of July 1944 he personally supervised the lifting of 615 British Anti Tank mines, many of the uncharted to allow armour to attack, During this period not only did he act with great energy and initiative but had to go without proper rest, personally delousing mines and booby traps that were too dangerous to entrust to others. During the period 3rd to 5th of August 44 in the Missy area when the Battalion had to advance through and clear up a heavily mined area, he personally led the necessary reconnaissance and want without rest to supervise the lifting by his Platoon of 152 S mines, 590 Tellermines and an R mine (the first of this then new type to be encountered) and plotted the remaning mined areas. On 31st of August 9944 when the Battalion occupied Auxi-Le-Chateau, a bridge was captured intact but prepared for demolition. Not waiting for Sapper assistance and in the dark, he personally, having ensured all other personnel had withdrawal to a safe distance, drew the charges which consisted of 3 inverted Tellermines and 5 bazooka shells sunk in the road surface and about 50 lbs of explosive fixed under the arch, All the charges being wired together. This bridge was of the greatest importance to the future advance of the Division and by his fearless conduct end skill he ensured that no harm should befall this vital link in communication, This officerts technical skill allied with hia dauntless devotion to duty and complete disregard for his personal safety have been an inspiration to all ranks. Terry Vale Add to this record.  Related Content: 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry 71st Infantry Brigade 53rd (Welsh) Division XII Corps, British Army Can you help us to add to our records? Add a record to our website. The names and stories on this website have been submitted by their relatives and friends. If your relations are not listed please add their names so that others can read about them Did you or your relatives live through the Second World War? Do you have any photos, newspaper clippings, postcards or letters from that period? Have you researched the names on your local or war memorial? Were you or your relative evacuated? Did an air raid affect your area? If so please let us know. Help us to build a database of information on those who served both at home and abroad so that future generations may learn of their sacrifice. Contact us. Celebrate your own Family History Celebrate by honouring members of your family who served in the Secomd World War both in the forces and at home. We love to hear about the soldiers, but also remember the many who served in support roles, nurses, doctors, land army, muntions workers etc. Please use our Family History resources to find out more about your relatives. Then please send in a short article, with a photo if possible, so that they can be remembered on these pages.

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