|
War |
Malaya |
Singapore
|
Service with other Units
|
Battalion
Movements |
Order of
Battle
Back
NX34792 - DUFFY, Desmond Jack, Col.
Military Cross (MC)
"This officer
was detailed to the difficult duty of covering the bridge at
633303 and conducting the ambush operations. As a result of his
leadership it is estimated that five hundred Japanese were
killed. The surviving Japanese counter attacked and some severe
hand to hand fighting was indulged in. Throughout this phase
Capt. Duffy by personal example and courage directed the further
killing of many of the enemy. He then reorganised his Company
and endeavoured to lead them back to our position and it was
then dark. The enemy were again contacted and casualties
inflicted. As a result of this action the Company became
separated into two groups. Capt. Duffy led his group back to the
new position East of Gemas after thirty nine hours in jungle and
in the enemy occupied area."
(Source: From the
collection of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: B2458,
237501)
Copy of
Citation
Bar to Military Cross (MC)
"On
22 Jan 42 at SIMPANG RENGAM the enemy attacked my right rear
Company in strength and it became necessary to use my reserve
Company ("B" Company ) under Capt D.J. Duffy. When this Company
reached the area the enemy was attacking the position was found
to be very serious and Capt. Duffy decided to re-organise the
Company already in position and to attack with his own Company.
He led his Company on a bayonet charge which caused the
enemy to retire. During their retirement the enemy used what was
thought to be gas but ultimately was found to be a type of
smoke. This action on the enemy's part saved them from complete
elimination. Capt. Duffy's personal leadership of the bayonet
charge of his Company showed courage, bravery and fearless
leadership, which I consider worthy of reward.
This officer has already been awarded the Military Cross for his
actions North of GEMAS on 15 Jan 42 and I now recommend that he
be awarded a bar to his Military Cross."
(Source: 2/30 Bn.
Archives - originally transcribed from the
Diary of Brigadier D.S. Maxwell by The Army Museum Sydney
Foundation in 1998.)
Back
Last updated
24/08/2022 |
