Sick Berth Attendant ARTURO FANCONI

An extract taken from the "London Gazette" records the following: "On 28th June, 1944, Fanconi was summond to help men wounded by mines at Quineville in Normandy. He at once ran almost half a mile and went though what later proved to be a field of anti-personnel mines to reach them. He applied tourniquets and bandages; then, with help, carried two patients out of the drive which was the scene of the incident. This was a tiring and difficult task as it entailed hugging a wall all the way. Fanconi was on the more dangerous side thoughout. While the rescue party were considering how best to help a third man who lay some distance within the minefield, another mine burst beneath the rubble on which they stood. This killed one helper and wounded Fanconi and another. Despite this, Fanconi tried to collect his scattered medical kit and to help his comrade. He had to crawl to do so, and was in great pain. In his attempt, he exploded a further mine which blew off one of his feet. The explosion hurled him into the air, and when he fell set off a third mine which severed his other foot. A corporal made every effort to help him, but the kit was now of little use and Fanconi could not be saved. All who had witnessed his selfless courage, his speed and skill in giving aid to others, all the while exposing himself to immediate danger, were inspired by his great example."