John Ritchie Hannah

Awarded Military Medal (London Gazette 21 October 1943) as 3191164 Sergeant (Acting WO2/Company Sergeant Major), 8th Battalion DLI.

"The above mentioned WO was Company Sergeant Major of the leading assaulting Company when the Battalion secured a bridgehead across the Simeto River on the night 15/16 July 1943. he led his men splendidly across the river and was one of the first men on the objective. the Company was heavily counter-attacked the next morning and was forced to withdraw. One platoon was some distance away and the sergeant major went himself to warn them to withdraw. During the withdrawal this platoon and the CSM were separated form the rest of the Company. He then withdrew his men across the river and made a detour, crossing the river again higher up where he found the rest of the Company and assisted his Company Commander in organising a new position. During the day of the 16 and 17, the Company was constantly under heavy machine-gun, mortar and shell fire, but he was always amongst his men, cheering them on and keeping them continuously supplied with ammunition and water. Throughout the two days his devotion to duty and complete disregard for his own safety was a magnificent example to his men and was a very vital factor in the Company maintaining the position until the enemy were forced to surrender."

Note: Originally recommended for an immediate Distinguished Conduct Medal but downgraded to a Military Medal.