255099 Sgt. John William Teale DCM.British Army 2nd Btn. Kings Royal Rifle Corps from:Stratford, East London The recommendation for Jack's DCM states: "Sergeant John William Teale, 2nd Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps, 4th Armoured Brigade, 8 Corps.
Sergeant Teale has consistently shown the highest qualities of courage and leadership throughout the campaign in Northern Europe, and indeed also in Africa and Italy. His Section of Carriers had often operated independently, and it is then that his initiative has been
given full play.
On 28th of October 1944 at Reijen, Sergeant Teale was a member of a patrol of one Officer and four ORs. The enemy from short range hit the Officer and a Corporal. Sergeant Teale carried back the Officer, returned and took back the Corporal. The Rifleman who was with him was wounded, so Sergeant Teale returned a third time and brought this Rifleman back. All this under heavy accurate fire.
On 9th of April 1945 at Neuenkirchen, in an independent role Sergeant Teale's Section found itself isolated and surrounded by the enemy.
He directed the fire of his section with such effect that the enemy were driven back in confusion. It was a joy to hear his Section firing all their weapons. After replenishing with ammunition, his Section continued to play a gallant part in the attack, and in the evening led
the advance into the village driving the enemy before him by the weight of his well-directed fire.
The offensive spirit of this NCO and his determined handling of his Section, was on this occasion largely instrumental in the success of the attack. Often during the last year has Sergeant Teale shown similar spirit in action with equally happy results. His example has
inspired his Company with the highest offensive spirit."
John Teale is my grandfather. He lived until he was 94 and rarely discussed the war as he found the whole experience painful. However he always held The British Red Cross in very high esteem as he said they were wonderful to the soldiers in the field.
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