Sergeant (acting) J.C. Grummitt BEM

Owing to sickness and aircraft accidents when 1/Bedfs Herts R (61 Coln) landed at ABERDEEN, this NCO soon became acting Animal Trasnport Officer. He has shown outstanding devotion to duty though, during the course of the campaign, he had three attacks of Malaria. No task has been too much for him whether concerning animals (for whom he provided personal and individual attention), arranging the evacuation and collection of sick on the march, or assisting in 'Q' duties at supply drops.

It has frequently been necessary to order this NCO to rest. His work was carried out at halts and during rest periods. He was the sole remaining man able to carry out veterinary treatment, consequently this heavy task fell on to his shoulders. He never failed.

The efficiency of a Column has a direct bearing on the fitness of its mules. It is a tribute to his outstanding and unselfish work that it has never been necessary to question the fitness of the A/T side when planning operations.