Lt. Colonel Robert S. Chamberlain, MC, C St. J, CD - A lifetime of service with the Perth Regiment with whom he served during WW II winning the Military Cross in Italy; the Elgin Regiment as Honorary Commanding Officer for 15 years, and with the Elgin Military Museum (seen above with Lt. Col. Ed King (centre) and Lord Elgin (right) in the Museum in the early 1980s).
The Military Cross - Italy 1944
It doesn't just happen
| Then Lieut. Robert Chamberlain: "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy." was 'Recommended for immediate award by Lieutenant-Colonel W.S. Rutherford, Commanding Officer, the Perth Regiment.; approved by Brigadier G. Kitching, Comd, 11 Canadian Infantry Brigade on 26 January 1944 and passed forward on 27 January 1944; approved by Major-General C. Vokes, General Officer Commanding, 1 Canadian Division on 28 January 1944 and passed forward on 5 February 1944; approved by Lieutenant-General C.W. Allfrey, Commander, 5 Corps on 8 February 1944 and passed forward on 1 March 1944; approved by Lieutenant-General O.W.L. Leese, General Officer Commanding, Eighth Army on 3 March 1944 and passed forward on 6 March 1944. Approved by General H.R. Alexander, Commander-in-Chief, Allied Combined Military Forces on 9 March 1944 and sent for action on 14 April 1944.' [with thanks to the Perth Regiment for this record of the paper trail] The Citation |  |
|
17 January 1944 South of the Arielli River at Map Reference area 2917 Lieutenant Chamberlain was the commander of the leading platoon in an assault by his company of The Perth Regiment. Finding the only avenue of approach was to the right Lieutenant Chamberlain led his platoon in this direction, but was unable to maintain contact with the balance of the company after 0545 Hours. The stiff enemy opposition finally split his platoon, two sections became detached. Lieutenant Chamberlain however boldly pushed on and after fierce fighting succeeded in placing his small force on the platoon objective, accounting for the enemy machine gun posts sited thereon and the enemy who manned them. |
During the day and evening this officer and the handful of men under his command doggedly repelled determined attempts to dislodge them, inflicting casualties on the enemy. Shortly after midnight on 18 January 1944, having been unable to make contact the entire day, Lieutenant Chamberlain safely disengaged his section and led them back to rejoin the unit. Throughout this action, Lieutenant Chamberlain led his men with the greatest courage and determination. He personally accounted for several of the enemy and under his inspiring leadership his men reached and held their objective under heavy odds.
 |  |
RSS Feed