Apart from L/Sgt Jack Southworth and Captain Malcolm Davidson, at least two other members of No 1
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Commando received gallantry awards for their actions during the Sedjenane fighting of early March 1943. Here are their citations:
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Williams, Pte J A, 4032283, MM
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(1) Recommendation for MM. This soldier is a No 1 on the bren gun. During the battle on Hill Point 231 on 2nd March 1943, the enemy attacked his troop in large numbers. Displaying great coolness and courage Pte Williams succeeded in silencing two of the enemy's machine gun positions. When the order to withdraw was given Pte Williams stayed behind his bren gun to cover the withdrawal of his sub-section. Having successfully covered his withdrawal, he then advanced under heavy fire to silence two more machine gun positions which were harassing our withdrawing troops.
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(2) Recommendation for DCM. On the 4th March 1943, during the battle of Mine near Sedjenane, his troop was overrun by superior numbers of the enemy and once again Pte Williams covered the withdrawal of his troop. After the troop had withdrawn he remained in position until all of his ammunition was exhausted, when he withdrew taking with him his bren gun and magazines. At all times this man's courage and devotion to duty has been an example to all.
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Beattie, Cpl J S, 14241854, MM.
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On 4th March 1943, at the battle of the Mine near Sedjenane, the above mentioned NCO was instrumental in saving the lives of a great number of his colleagues. At about 1500 hrs he observed a German patrol equipped with an MG 34 moving to a position from where they could bring fire to bear on his troop. His troop were unaware of the danger. Seeing this Cpl Beattie took up a fire position with his rifle and accounted for six of the Germans including the Machine Gun team. During the whole time Cpl Beattie was under heavy mortar fire. By this action Cpl Beattie undoubtedly saved the lives of a great number of his comrades. During the remainder of this battle this NCO constantly showed great powers of leadership, and throughout his determination and devotion to duty was an example to all who saw him.
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