Corporal Leonard Thomas Charles Knightley
Unit : 716th Light Composite Company, RASC
Army No. : 6290913
Awards : Military Medal
At Diersfordt, Germany, on 24th March 1945, 716th Light Composite Company RASC landed by parachute and glider East of the Rhine. Losses were very heavy, nearly 40% of the company becoming casualties.
Among others Corporal Knightley was severely wounded in the arm. Realising the critical shortage of men, he refused to be evacuated. Although in great pain, he insisted on remaining on duty for 33 hours, until finally ordered back to the Main Dressing Station. By this time, the worst of the crisis was over.
During the period he remained at duty, Corporal Knightley rendered invaluable service. Not only did he carry out conscientiously the maintenance of an accurate state for the airborne resupply dump, but with one arm useless, he frequently assisted with the unloading of jeep transport. The area was under intermittent heavy fire throughout the period.
This NCO's magnificent example inspired all around him. His cheerfulness and devotion to duty, together with his disregard of severe pain, were of the greatest assistance to his Company Commander. The main RASC problem at this time was lack of men. Corporal Knightley not only remained at duty himself, but by doing so fortified his comrades and redoubled their efforts.