#494, Peter Fromanteel COBBOLD

CITATION for Award of Military Cross

Background (King's Royal Rifle Corps Assn)

On 11th December 1944 the 11th Bn took part in the civil war in Athens. The problems of fighting in a large town, the difficulty of telling friend from foe and the dirty tactics employed by ELAS made the task a particularly unpleasant one. Full scale operations were involved, including a Bn attack on Ardhittos Hill on 18th December.

Citation

Lieut P F Cobbold commanded a Platoon which took part in the capture of Ardhittos Hill on the night of December 17th/18th and afterwards held the forward post there. Throughout the day his positions were subject to heavy machine gun and rifle fire, varying in intensity and coming from three directions, and later to accurate mortar fire. Despite this he maintained his platoon in their position and provided vital information as to the movement of enemy troops.

During the early afternoon an obstinately pressed counter-attack made by superior numbers developed against his platoon positions. The leading section put up a stubborn fight but was finally overcome. Lt Cobbold withdrew the remainder of his Platoon, already depleted by casualties to a new position and successfully reformed them to hold a still vital part of his Company's area. This officer shewed complete disregard of personal danger and his example encouraged his men.