Signalman Archibald Ernest Ward M.M.

Signalman WARD was operator of the Brigade Headquarters set which was brought into action at the Brigade counterattack at Kayin on 17th April 1944 in order to be used for direct air support.

Brigade Headquarters came under fire when the leading Battalion was closing with the enemy. Direct air support had been demanded and it was essential to get in touch with the aircraft which were due any moment. The enemy at this time were within 50 yards in the jungle firing at any noise with LMGs and Grenade Dischargers. Signalman WARD with the aid of signalman CHARLESTON unloaded the set from its mule, set it up and brought it into operation whilst being under fire throughout.

Later there was a strong counterattack by the enemy and Brigade Headquarters came under heavy fire from 3 MMGs causing many casualties and some confusion. WARD and CHARLESTON remained at their post and a message was passed to a neighbour O.P. stating where the direct air support was to be brought down. At the height of enemy counterattack the planes arrived and dropped 500lb bombs on the enemy deployed in the jungle within 200 yards of our troops causing very many Jap casualties, which we found later, and completely broke up the counterattack. Later still, under fire, these two signallers helped evacuate the set to a more healthy one.

The results of the skill and devotion to duty and courage of these two men without doubt saved the battalion and Brigade Headquarters from a very difficult situation and allowed time for all wounded to be evacuated and it was found out later also caused the enemy to withdraw leaving many dead behind him.