CITATION FOR PERIODIC AWARD FOR MENTION IN DISPATCHES TO B73610 L/Sjt Edsel Herbert ALLEN, 48TH HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA

On 22 May 44 L/Sjt Allen was in comd of #1 section 13 pl “C” Coy.  Under orders he led his sector forward until pinned down from both flanks by snipers and heavy LMG fire.  Inspite of this, and constant shelling, he repeatedly tried to move forward.

Later in the day the Coy was ordered to advance without the support of tanks.  13 pl led the advance up a tank trap with #1 section in the rear; on reaching  the end of the ditch the pl was subjected to heavy fire from. both flanks and. to rifle grenades.  Orders were given to move on a new axis to another position. L/Sgt Allen ordered his section 2 I/c to lead his m en out an d remained in an exposed position to encourage all the men in the pl, and assist them to cover.  In so doing showed complete disregard for his own safety.  It was only when all the pl. other ranks had left to take up the new position that L/Sjt Allen moved himself.  He then received a burst in the head and was killed,  By remaining he insured the safety of many men and lost his own life.

Note:  As L/Sgt died in the action he could not be recommended for DCM/MM as at the time they could not be awarded posthumously.  This nomination from original 1st Bn records.  Confirmation of MID (LG/CG) TBC.