Description
A Good Fighting Citation WW2 North West Europe Immediate DCM Group of 6 to L/Sjt C. Boardman 1st Battalion East Lancashire Regiment, comprising DCM GVIR, (352635L.Sjt.C. Boardman. E. Lan. R.) 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, France & Germany Star, 1939-45 Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal, unnamed as issued, mounted for wear lightly toned very fine.
DCM London Gazette 1st March 1945 for the attack on Bladel, just south-west of Eindhoven.
On 22 September 1944, during the attack on Bladel, after wireless communication between the forward platoons and Company Headquarters had broken down L/Cpl Boardman volunteered to go forward and contact the forward platoon commanders. To do this L/Cpl Boardman had to advance over flat ground swept by Machine Gun fire. Not only did L/Cpl Boardman contact both Platoon Commanders, but he successfully guided the Right Hand Platoon forward a distance of 300 yards up into line with the left platoon in the face of heavy enemy fire. For some time he took command of this platoon as the Platoon Commander and Platoon Sergeant had become casualties.
During one of his many journeys (sic) between Company H.Q. and the Platoons he gave first aid to two wounded men, and single-handed shot three Germans and put a fourth to flight, who attempted to interfere with him when he was bandaging up the wounded men.
Throughout the whole action which lasted from 1st light to 0900Hrs on the following day, he displayed great courage and initiative and an entire disregard for his own personal safety. His cheerfulness throughout the night, despite hunger and all the dangers of street fighting was inspiring to those around him.
