CROSSLAND, James Willie
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Rank:
Corporal
Unit / Base:
40 Commando RM
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Marines
Service:
Royal Navy
Number:
RM 14422
Honours & Awards:
Corporal James Crossland was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished services on the 6th November 1956 during Operation Musketeer, the Anglo-French Invasion of Port Said, Egypt.
Recommendation
Lance Corporal Crossland was the second-in-command of his section during the Allied Landings at Port Said on 6 November 1956. Crossland and 4 men were led into an assault on an enemy held warehouse by their Commander. Just before entering the building two of the men were wounded by a grenade, but the attack was carried through. Just after the entry was made the officer was killed. It was then apparent that the further end of the warehouse was held by Egyptians who were determined to fight to the last. The section commander withdrew in order to obtain reinforcements. Crossland held his ground alone and continued to fire and throw grenades at the enemy. Soon, he ran out of ammunition, and the enemy advanced upon him. He still stood his ground and was preparing to use the butt of his Sten gun when the reinforcing section arrived just in time to account for the remaining enemy.
Recommendation
Lance Corporal Crossland was the second-in-command of his section during the Allied Landings at Port Said on 6 November 1956. Crossland and 4 men were led into an assault on an enemy held warehouse by their Commander. Just before entering the building two of the men were wounded by a grenade, but the attack was carried through. Just after the entry was made the officer was killed. It was then apparent that the further end of the warehouse was held by Egyptians who were determined to fight to the last. The section commander withdrew in order to obtain reinforcements. Crossland held his ground alone and continued to fire and throw grenades at the enemy. Soon, he ran out of ammunition, and the enemy advanced upon him. He still stood his ground and was preparing to use the butt of his Sten gun when the reinforcing section arrived just in time to account for the remaining enemy.
Lance Corporal Crossland immediately turned to assist the two members of his section who were wounded and lying in the open outside the warehouse. Although under heavy fire from another position, with complete disregard for his personal safety he went out and dragged his wounded comrades to safety.
There were a further four rooms at the far end of the warehouse which still had to be searched. Crossland played a leading part in clearing these remaining rooms which contained eight of the enemy. Throughout this action Lance Corporal Crossland showed outstanding courage in the face of the enemy and acted with great personal bravery accounting for a number of enemy. His actions inspired the men under him.
Sources
[1] London Gazette 41092, page 3418.
[2] National Archives file WO 373/124/57.
Notes
Recommended for the D.C.M., awarded the M.M.
Middle name as in LG entry. Source @ [2] shows middle name as Willis.
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