King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

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Major Kenneth Rhodes MC

Medal group of Major Kenneth Rhodes MC, 1st Battalioln, King’s Own Royal Regiment, Lancaster, comprising the Military Cross, 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal and War Medal.
Accession Number: KO2126/01-02-03-04-05-06

Citation for Military Cross awarded to Captain Kenneth Rhodes.
“On the night of 6 Oct 1944, Captain K Rhodes, 1st Battalion, The King’s Own Royal Regiment, was commanding a company ordered to attack and capture the village of San Martino [Italy]. Captain Rhodes led his company by night over a difficult route and joined up with another company which had gained a foothold in the village the previous night – this company he took under command.  Shortly after the attack began the leading platoon was held up by enemy Light Machine Gun fire, and Captain Rhodes himself led the second platoon round the left flank, shouting orders and encouragement as he went.  His determination and confidence was such that the enemy withdrew, less those who had been killed in the action.  Further opposition was encountered towards the top of the village, but Captain Rhodes, appreciating the danger of subsequent counter-attack, pushed forward, leaving the reserve company to deal with the mopping up whilst he consolidated on the top of the hill on which the village stood.  His handling of the force under his command throughout the action was of the highest order, and his personal bravery was a tonic to all ranks.”

Letter from Buckingham Palace to Major Kenneth Rhodes, MC, about the award of the Military Cross.
Accession Number: KO2126/07

Captain Kenneth Rhodes, in Italy, with the 1st Battalion, King's Own Royal Regiment, 1944.
Accession Number: KO2126/08

© Images are copyright, Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum.
 You must seek permission prior to publication of any of our images.