Guardsman EDWARD COLQUHOUN CHARLTON

The following details are given in the London Gazette of 2nd May, 1946:- In Germany on 21st April, 1945, Guardsman Charlton was co-driver of a tank belonging to a troop which, with a platoon of infantry, seized the village of Wistedt. The enemy attacked in great strength, covered by an artillery concentration. All the tanks were hit, and the hard-pressed infantry were in danger of being overrun. Quickly recovering his Browning gun from his damaged tank, Guardsman Charlton advanced in full view of the enemy, firing from the hip. His bold attack and heavy fire halted the leading enemy company, inflicting heavy casualties and bringing much-needed relief to our infantry. Guardsman Charlton continued his attack until wounded in the left arm. Supporting his arm and his machine-gun on a nearby fence, he stood under heavy fire shooting continuously until his arm was again hit and shattered. Then, firing and loading with one arm, he continued to inflict casualties on the enemy, Hit for the third time, he collapsed. He died later in enemy hands. The heroism and determination of this guardsman were beyond all praise. Guardsman Charlton's valour and self-sacrifice retrieved a desperate situation and made possible the speedy recapture of the position.