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Lieutenant John Stewart Granville McCartney
Unit : No.28 Medium Machine Gun Platoon, Support Company, 1st Battalion The Border Regiment
Army No. : 143723
Lieutenant John McCartney commanded No.28 Medium Machine Gun Platoon, 1st Border. He was recommended for the Military Cross for his actions at Arnhem by Major Cousens, acting commander of the battalion, and though this was passed by Brigadier Hicks at Brigade level it was ultimately refused. His citation reads:
On 23rd September 1944 at Arnhem, Lieutenant McCartney was in charge of a section of medium machine guns supporting the right flank of C Company. At 1000 hrs a very heavy enemy counter attack began to develop on C Company's front. The attack was prefaced by very heavy mortar and shell fire on the positions, causing a number of casualties. The main infantry assault commenced at 1200 hrs. Lieutenant McCartney was tireless in his efforts to kill the enemy, personally directing the fire of his guns; he moved from one gun position to another, completely regardless of the danger from mortar and shells, to encourage his men to greater efforts. He personally assisted in bringing up more ammunition under continuous heavy fire, and when it became necessary he took over personal control of one of the guns. His tireless energy, devotion to duty, and disregard of danger were an inspiration to all ranks, and his efforts were largely responsible for the attack being repelled with considerable loss to the enemy.