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Information About

Francis Arthur Jefferson





DETAILS


Jefferson was 22 years old, and a Fusilier in the 2nd Bn., The Lancashire Fusiliers , British Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On May 16 , 1944 , during an attack on the Gustav Line, Monte Cassino , Italy , the leading company of Fusilier Jefferson's battalion had to dig in without protection. The enemy counter-attacked opening fire at short range, and Fusilier Jefferson, on his own initiative, seized a P.I.A.T. gun and, running forward under a hail of bullets, fired on the leading tank. It burst into flames and all the crew were killed. The fusilier then reloaded and went towards the second tank which withdrew before he could get within range. By this time our own tanks had arrived and the enemy counter-attack was smashed.


FURTHER INFORMATION


Jefferson later achieved the rank of Lance-Corporal .


THE MEDAL


Jefferson's medal was stolen in 1982 and has not been recovered {Link without Title} .


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This page has been from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.