WHELCH Henry John

596013, Corporal, 22 Battalion, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Gazetted 16 October 1945, Supp 37310, p5102

On the night of 18-19 April 1945 Corporal Whelch was acting as platoon sergeant of the reserve platoon during the attack west of Villa Fontana, Italy, across the River Gaina. About midnight just after an intermediate obstaclte had been negotiated, the platoon was attacked by a strong force of German paratroopers. Because of a heavy ground-fog and dust caused by the barrage visibility had been reduced to zero. In the sharp fighting which developed immediately on contact. Corporal Whelch’s platoon not only lost communication with Company Headquarters but also became separated a period of eight hours from its Platoon Commander. To meet the difficulties of the situation Corporal Whelch responded with qualities of great personal courage and cool and sound judgement. Rallying the platoon, he led it in determined assaults upon the enemy with such skill and dash that more than 20 enemy were killed and the remainder put to disorderly flight. Corporal Whelch himself was foremost in the fighting and under his leadership his men fought outstandingly well. He rallied his men once more and on his own initiative continued to the final objective. Close to the railway line more enemy troops were encountered. They were engaged immediately and driven off after suffering casualties. Before first light Corporal Whelch had led his men to their objective and had firmly consolidated the platoon in its position. Throughout the attack Corporal Whelch’s leadership was a factor of the greatest importance in the excellent work performed by the platoon. On each occasion when the circumstances became critical he acted with a calm indifference to his personal safety and a bold determination to push on the attack to the best advantage

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Conduct Medal

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

Italy Star

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

NOTES

Born 22 December 1919, New Zealand

Died

THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT