Decorations
The following immediate decorations were awarded:
MM - Cpl J(Doc) Thomas, Cpl L E(Sqizzy) Taylor. MC - Maj David Thomson. US Silver Star -Cpl Harry Patch ( He was awarded a second Silver Star while serving in Vietnam -remarkable).
MID - Pte T R Nelligan - Stretcher Bearer ( he was wounded three times and carried on - it was his 21st birthday).
Later a number of other members of A Coy received awards for this and other actions.
Conclusion
Looking back perhaps I should have requested permission to withdraw at least 15 minutes earlier. At the time I did not realise the number of casualties inflicted on the lower slopes of Hill 227 and the minefield gaps. They were out of my sight.
A Coy was given a very difficult task and carried it out bravely and well. All ranks- old soldiers and those in action for the first time carried on without hesitation under heavy fire. As the OC A Coy I was very proud of them all.