Sergeant Raymond Walter Bartlam M.M.

On the night 21st/22nd March 44 the enemy put in a battalion attack on to the hill BARE HILL which was held by this NCOs Platoon in which this NCO was a Section Commander. The position was over-run and the Platoon had suffered most severe casualties including the Platoon Commander and Sergeant. Although completely surrounded and the enemy already in other captured Section posts Sergeant BARTLAM by his courage and determination kept the balance of his Section on the hill throughout the night during which time the whole hill was subjected to all types of fire from both sides and everyone was of the opinion that the complete Platoon had been wiped out.

The following morning 22nd March 44, when the counter-attacking party arrived on to the feature, he led them along the best line of approach and directed them straight on to the enemy position, he and his Section joining in the attack.

During the night 21/22nd March 44, Sergeant BARTLAM accompanied by another man crawled forward from their position to a position which was occupied by the enemy and dragged back a wounded Public Relations Officer (Captain WEBB)(since died of wounds) into his Section post and then having him sent back to the R.A.F.

Throughout this whole action this NCO showed remarkable courage and determination and was an inspiration to his Section. It was greatly due to the fact that this NCO held on to BARE HILL that the counter-attack on the morning of the 22nd March was successful.

Dated 24 March WHITE CITY