Lance-Corporal M. C. Flannery
Unit : 4th Parachute Squadron
Army No. : 2195834
Awards : Mentioned in Despatches
Lance-Corporal Flannery was originally recommended for the Military Medal but was ultimately Mentioned in Despatches. His citation for the latter is missing, but the recommendation for the former is included within the Headquarters, Royal Engineers war diary:
On the 24th September 44, Lance-Corporal Flannery knocked out an enemy self-propelled gun with a direct hit from a PIAT whilst under fire from it. The self-propelled gun fired about 4 rounds directly at his position, killing an officer and wounding three other ranks. Lance-Corporal Flannery fired about three rounds at the gun, finally knocking it out and killing some of the crew. His section, which he led with great disregard for his personal safety, was responsible for repelling many attacks throughout the operation.
Flannery was wounded during the Battle and taken prisoner. He spent the remainder of the war at Stalag XIB at Fallingbostel, POW number 117371.