Marion Trail

by Marion Trail

Story 118

My father R James Trail, received the Military Medal for bravery in WW2. Below is the description of what happened.

On the morning of November 2 1942 at Miteiriya, North Africa, the position of the unit under which Sgt Trail's battery was serving was counter-attached by enemy tanks
The crews of three six-pounders belonging to an adjacent English unit were all made casualties, and the guns left unmanned.
Under a heavy concentration of shell and MG fire Sgt Trail manned one of these guns and continued to engage the attacking tanks.
When ordered to withdraw he removed the firing mechanism of each of these three guns in order to deny their use to the enemy should they fall into their hands.
In order to carry out this task Sgt Trail covered 300 yards of open country in the face of the enemy under a hail of shell, mortar and MG fire with no thought for his own personal safety.
Throughout the action, Sgt Trail's conduct was outstanding and his coolness and precision were a source of inspiration to those working with him under his command.
For this Sgt Trail was awarded the Military Medal for Bravery by King George V1 at Buckingham Palace. SGT R James Trail (left of picture), outside Buckingham Palace to receive the MM from King George V1 with two others who were receiving awards

Story 118

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