R.S.M. William Livingstone M.C.

Operations in Burma, February - May, 1943.

On 30th April, 1943, a dispersal group under the command of Major W.P. Scott, which had spent the day crossing the KAUKWE CHAUNG on rafts, was forming up to continue its march when it was suddenly attacked by a strong Japanese patrol. Regimental Sergeant Major Livingstone instantly organised the troops in his immediate neighbourhood in a most gallant and spirited defence, engaging the enemy wherever they showed themselves, regardless of their superior strength and of their great superiority in automatic weapons. By so doing, and by opening a heavy fire on the enemy whenever and wherever they showed themselves, he succeeded in holding a ring where by he helped to prevent a large number of non-swimmers from being thrust into the river by the Japanese attack. But for his resolute action the great majority of these men would have inevitably been either killed or drowned.

When the enemy transferred their attention to another part of the area, R.S.M. LIVINSTONE was with difficulty dissuaded from following them through the thick jungle in an effort to reach them with the bayonet. Finally, becoming separated from the main body, he collected, organised and led a large party of troops through the Japanese lines to a safe area where he joined an officer and with him marched his men 150 miles to the Chindwin River.

Throughout the campaign his courage, bearing and endurance have been of a high order and an inspiration to British, Burmese and Gurkha ranks alike.