Soldiers of the RegimentMajor
Kenneth Rhodes MC
Medal group of Major Kenneth Rhodes MC, 1st Battalioln, King’s Own Royal Regiment,
Lancaster, comprising the Military Cross, 1939-45 Star, Africa Star,
Italy Star, Defence Medal and War Medal.
Accession Number: KO2126/01-02-03-04-05-06
Citation
for Military Cross awarded to Captain Kenneth Rhodes.
“On the night of 6 Oct 1944, Captain K Rhodes, 1st Battalion, The King’s
Own Royal Regiment, was commanding a company ordered to attack and
capture the village of San Martino [Italy]. Captain Rhodes led his
company by night over a difficult route and joined up with another
company which had gained a foothold in the village the previous night –
this company he took under command. Shortly after the attack began the
leading platoon was held up by enemy Light Machine Gun fire, and Captain
Rhodes himself led the second platoon round the left flank, shouting
orders and encouragement as he went. His determination and confidence
was such that the enemy withdrew, less those who had been killed in the
action. Further opposition was encountered towards the top of the
village, but Captain Rhodes, appreciating the danger of subsequent
counter-attack, pushed forward, leaving the reserve company to deal with
the mopping up whilst he consolidated on the top of the hill on which
the village stood. His handling of the force under his command
throughout the action was of the highest order, and his personal bravery
was a tonic to all ranks.”
Letter from Buckingham Palace to Major Kenneth Rhodes, MC, about the
award of the Military Cross.
Accession Number: KO2126/07
Captain Kenneth Rhodes, in Italy, with the 1st Battalion, King's Own
Royal Regiment, 1944.
Accession Number: KO2126/08
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