From Medal Recommendation, D.C.M.:

“On 21st April, 1945, the Troop in which this Guardsman was serving was ordered forward into an isolated position in the village of WISTEDT, covering the flank of the Squadron / Company Group at ELSDORF.  Almost immediately after taking up position a sharp counter-attack developed against the Squadron / Company Group which entirely enveloped this forward Troop.  The Troop position was assaulted with determination by about one Company of enemy supported by S.P. guns.

The Troop Leader, when unable to contact his Sherman 17-pounder by wireless, accepted Guardsman MENDES’ voluntary request to be allowed to make his way on foot to the Sherman to deliver an order or, alternatively, collect the tank himself.  This he did in the face of enemy encroachment from three sides.

Guardsman MENDES found that the Sherman had been hit on the cupola and that the commander had been killed.  Guardsman MENDES at once jumped into the drivers seat and drove the tank, which was under enemy fire, to a covered position.  Reorganising the crew and acting as Tank Commander himself, he brought the tank back into action and fought it with great determination until ordered by the Troop Officer to bale out as the tank was on fire.

On baling out, he seized a Bren gun and continued to cover the withdrawal when the Troop Commander ordered a “break out” from the surrounded area.

His action did much to make a “break out” possible and was the direct cause of the survival of the party who finally returned to our lines.  This determined fighting diverted the enemy from their main objective and helped materially in the defence of the Squadron / Company Group area.”

Click here for citation of Edward Colquhoun Charlton, V.C., 2Armd

Click here to see full squad photo

Source: TNA

Photos: WTB