32 Army Tk. Brigade 70 Infantry Division Tobruk Fortress Army Form W.3121
18 Dec 1941
Schedule No. (to be left blank)
Unit
Regtl. No.
Rank and Name(Christian name must be stated)
Action for which commended (Date and place of action must be stated)
Recommended by
Honour or Reward
(To be left blank)
4 R. Tanks.Lieut-General.G.O.C
132595
A/Captain GARDNER Phillip John. MC
On Nov23rd about 0800 Hrs Captain Gardner wasordered to take two ‘I' Tanks to the assistanceof two Armoured Cars of the K.D.G's which were out of action and still under fire in close proximity to enemy forces. On arriving at the scene, he found two cars two hundred yards apart and halted, while they were being heavily fired upon at close range, and gradually being smash-ed to pieces.Captain Gardner ordered his other Tank to manoe-urve and give him covering fire, while he manoe-uvered his Tank close up to the foremost car. This was done, and Captain Gardener then dismounted in the face of intense anti-tank and machine gun fire and unhitching a tow rope from his Tank secured it to the Armoured Car. He then found that 2/Lieu.Beame was lying beside the car with his legs blown off, so he lifted this Officer into the car and gave the order to tow. The tow rope now broke, and as there was not another one, Captain Gardner returned to the Armoured Car and was at once wounded in the arm and leg. He then, despite this disability again lifted 2/Lt. Beame from the car and carried him to the Tank where he placed him on the back engine louvers, climbing up along-side to the hold him on, and ordered the Tank to drive to safety. During this time his Tank was penet-rated by shell fire and the loader killed, while the remainder of the crew of the Armoured Car were also killed.The courage, determination and complete disregard for his own personal safety displayed by Captain Gardner enabled him in the face of intense enemy fire at close range, and while himself wounded in
LT. COL W.C.L. O'CARROLL D.S.O.X4 R. Tanks. I recommend that this officer, whose great gallantry under fire is without doubt [to] be awarded the Victoria Cross. This officer's name was a by-word amongst the crews of the ACs & Tanks as they came back to rally. Very strongly recommended
[Signature] Maj. Gen. Comd. TOBRUGH FORTRESS
Victoria Cross Auckinlick General, Commander in chief, Middle East Forces 19 Jun 42
