WW2 Military Medal for Bravery Group To L/ Bmbr William Harry Ainsworth, Royal Artillery

Military Medal : George VI ( 1481431 L. BMBR. W. H. Ainsworth. R.A.); 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, Defence & War Medals 1939-45
MM immediate Award London Gazette 6th April 1944
Title The King has graciously pleased to approve in recognition of gallant and Distinguished service in Italy

Recommendation 27th December 1943
On the evening of 25 Nov 1943 L/Bdr Ainsworth was in charge of a 15-cwt truck driven from Pollutri to Paglieta. The vehicle became involved in a long convoy and as it came along the Road parallel and near to the river Sangro the convoy halted and the portion of the road where it halted immediateley came under enemy shellfire. During this shellfire an ammunition vehicle in front received a direct hit and burst into flames. The remaing vehicles were in a very close formation and the fire quickly spread to another 15-cwt truck and to a GWT Towing gun. The ammunition was exploding. L/Bdr Ainsworth realizing that the remainder of the convoy was in danger and without waiting for orders reversed his own vehicle away and proceeded to remove a number of other vehicles, although not of his own unit, from the scene of the fire. between his own vehicle and the fire there were approximateley twelve vehicles.
All of these Ainsworth and one other Gunner moved to a safe area while the road was being heavily shelled. The drivers of the vehicles had taken cover. In removing the vehicles nearest the fire Ainsworth had to crawl along the ground to reach the cab owing to the intense heat. Ainsworth, also, in spite of heavy shell fire and exploding ammunition attempted to help two men who were lying between two of the blazing vehicles. He was eventually prevented from doing this by the intense heat and exploding ammunition.
During the whole period Ainsworth with complete disregard to the heavy shellin displayed great courage, initiative and by his action saved the convoy
Granted an Immediate MM Signed by General Alexander 15 Army Group
Ainsworth came fro York

Code: 66000