To Captain Robert Jacob Griffith
In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Tunisia and Italy

Award of the Military Cross 27th March, 1943.

Citation
   On 20 February [1943] part of ‘A’ Squadron were returning to take up their position at first light in the area 3247 (Tunisia, Sheet 4) when the Squadron Leader’s tank was knocked out and Major W.H. Ketchell wounded. Capt. Griffith, who had been delayed on the way owing to a broken down vehicle, arrived shortly afterwards and very coolly and competently organised the defense of this vital area. He remained in command of this area until 5th March and during this period was responsible for holding the position by day and by night.
   On the morning of 1 March six enemy tanks were subjected to artillery fire; one was immobilised and all abandoned by their crews. Captain Griffith went out on foot and entered one of these tanks. He brought back a German wallet containing valuable material for identification and from the information which he supplied an operation for the complete destruction of the tanks was organised and successfully carried out.
   During these six days Captain Griffith displayed marked powers of leadership and initiative. The position was frequently under fire and Capt. Griffith went out many times on foot to locate the enemy guns and to secure valuable information of enemy tank and infantry movements.
   I consider that Captain Griffith played a very valuable part in the stopping of the tank thrust on Beja.

Recommended by
Lieutenant-Colonel David Dawnay, Commanding Officer North Irish Horse.

Endorsements by
Lieutenant-Colonel P. Scott, Acting Commander 128th Infantry Brigade.
Major-General Commanding 46th Division.
Lieutenant General C. Allfrey, Commander 5 Corps.

Approved by
Lieutenant-General K. Anderson, General Officer Commander-in-Chief 1st Army.

London Gazette Record
Issue: 35987 Date: 22.4.43.Page: 1846 WO Folio 373/1.
View transcript.

Award of a Bar to the Military Cross, 28th June, 1944.

Citation
   0600 hours 23 May 1944 – 1000 hrs 24 May 1944. Adolf Hitler Line, Italy. In the action against the Hitler Line Major Griffith’s squadron supported the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, a battalion of the 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade. 600 yards from the Start Line his squadron was held up by the obstacles and an extensive enemy minefield. Visibility was 10 yards and the squadron came under very heavy enemy shelling and mortaring which continued incessantly for 28 hours. Touch was lost with the infantry and a battle commenced with the powerful anti-tank defences. Major Griffith controlled this battle on foot despite the heavy enemy fire and besides accounting for several snipers himself, his tank destroyed two Mark V tanks (Panthers), two 75 m.m. anti-tank guns, one 88 m.m. anti-tank gun and inflicted severe casualties on the enemy infantry. Four of his Churchill tanks were destroyed in this action. As it was found impossible to by-pass the minefield and all attempts at gapping were unsuccessful, Major Griffith decided to consolidate his gains. To do this, he left the safety of his tank and for many hours on foot and under intense fire, directed the forming of a strong point. He helped considerably in the re-organization of the infantry and directed the clearance of casualties. He held this position against constant enemy actions throughout one day and one night and would only leave the area when ordered to do so during the following morning when the battle had been won. His clear appreciation of the situation, his complete disregard for his personal safety, his coolness and daring were an inspiration to all the troops in the area and there is no doubt that his action in pinning down powerful elements of the enemy defenses helped considerably in the forcing of the Hitler Line.

Copies of the Army Forms from which the above transcriptions have been made.

Recommended by Lieutenant-Colonel E.V.Strickland, MM, Commanding Officer North Iriah Horse Endorsed by Brigadier J.L.Tetley, Commander 25th Tank Brigade. Approved by General H.R.Alexander, Commander in Chief, Allied Central Mediterranean Force. London Gazette Record - Bar to the Military Cross Issue: 36668 Date: 24.8.1944 Page: 3923. File Number 10

London Gazette Record - Military Cross
Issue: 35987 Date: 22.4.1943 Page: 1846W.
View extract.

London Gazette Record - Bar to the Military Cross

Issue: 36668 Date: 24.8.1944 Page: 3923 WO Folio 3737.
View extract.

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