| Surname: | Thomas |
| Initials: | W R |
| Rank: | Lance Corporal |
| Army Number: | 14210135 |
| Notes: | CMP. Formerly General Service Corps. From Fowey. He was born in Cornwall and was employed as a Mason, he served in the Local Defence Volunteers and Home Guard and Somerset Light Infantry before joining CMP in 1942, served with 3 Div Pro Coy. He is shown on the 3 Div Pro Coy landing table as landing with serial 1375/LCT (4)/322 along with L/cpl Hornsby, 2 Bde, L/Cpl McGregor 3 Bde, L/Cpl Thomas was with3 Brigade. William Richard Thomas. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Military Medal (London Gazette: 36850 Page: 5861 Dec. 21, 1944) |
| Citation: | Military Medal Citation.NormandyPreparatory to the attack by the Division at ESCOVILLE on the 18 July 1944 four gaps had been cleared in our own minefields through which the entire Division were to pass. To facilitate the passage of personnel and vehices a CMP pointsman was placed on duty at each gap. From the time the attack started at 0745 hours until late that evening the four gaps were subjected to incessant and accurate mortar and shellfire. During the course of the morning the three other Provost Lance Corporals who were on duty became casualties from this fire. Lance Corporal Thomas however, remaind on duty throughout the day amidst a continual hail of missiles. Never once did he falter in the discharge of his duties, and throughout the period he showed the greatest keenness and interest in his job and was at all times able to convey information of great importance as to which units had passed through the gaps. This NCO's gallantry and complete disregard for his personal safety, even after all his comrades had been wounded was a source of great inspiration to all who saw him. The efficient way in which he controlled the traffic and in which he sent back information was of the greatest assistance to the Division; and the fact that the whole Division passed through the gaps without a single traffic jam occurring, must be largely attributed to this NCO's coolness and personal discipline under fire. Lance Corporal Thomas's conduct throughout the day was worthy of the highest praise and was in accordance with the finest traditions of the Corps of Military Police.Awarded an immediate MM. Recommended by OC 3 Div Pro Coy. National Archive WO 373/50. |