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.
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