Military Cross Citation for Major G.H. Peile NEW INFORMATION (7)

 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery Bar To Military Cross Citation for Major G.H. Peile NEW INFORMATION (7)

22-30 Jan 44

Major Peile was in support of 2 Coldstream Guards in Tremensuoli.   Throughput this period, the outskirts of the village constituted the Forward Defence Lines and enemy Observation Posts overlooked the position from South West and North, some of them from within 100 yards.   As a result, enemy shelling, mortar and Spandau fire was constant and extremely accurate; the establishment of our own observation Posts whether in the fronts of houses facing the enemy or on forward slopes in front of the leading infantry, called for the greatest skill, care, and determination.   One OP on a forward slope was discovered and knocked out by enemy mortars, with the loss of the observing Officer (amputation of leg) and other wounded.   Many direct hits from Artillery and mortar shells were made on the three or four houses used as Ops on the west face of the village, while our own fire was being directed from them.   All the OP vehicles were either damaged or covered with debris from shells falling near them.   In spite of these difficulties and dangers, Major Peile kept observation going on the three sides facing the enemy throughout the whole period; the surrounding country was carefully registered to within 200 yards of the forward Defence Lines; a number of mortar positions were engaged, with good effect to judge by shouts and screams heard; enemy were driven out of houses and shelled as the ran, causing casualties: further out Motor Transport was hit, and two hostile batteries, whose flames could be seen, were registered, both with his own guns and those of the Division Medium Regiment.   Many of these tasks were carried out by Major Peile, others by Observation Post officers under his command, but the manner in which support was given was due to the cheerfulness, courage, energy, determination and leadership of Major PEILE, himself during a week of constant strain and danger, by day and night.   The qualities he showed were an inspiration to those around him and the Artillery support he gave was of direct assistance to the infantry in maintaining a difficult position.