History : Hall Of Fame : Fusilier Jefferson. (Battle of Monte Cassino)
Fusilier Frank Jefferson was the company runner in C Company of the 2nd Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers during the campaign in Italy. Fusilier Jefferson won his VC for showing great courage as his citation demonstrates
"On 16th May 1944, during the attack on the Gustav Line, an anti-tank obstacle held up some of our tanks, leaving the leading company of Fusilier Jefferson’s battalion to dig in on the hill without tanks or anti-tank guns. The enemy counter-attacked with infantry and two Mark IV tanks which opened fire at short range causing a number of casualties and eliminating one PIAT* group entirely.
As the tank advanced towards the partially-dug trenches, Fusilier Jefferson, entirely on his own initiative, seized a PIAT, and running forward alone under fire, took up a position behind a hedge; as he could not see properly, he came into the open, and standing up under the hail of bullets, fired at the leading tank, which was now only twenty yards away. It burst into flames and all the crew were killed. Fusilier Jefferson then reloaded the PIAT and proceeded towards the second tank, which withdrew before he could get within range. By this time our own tanks had arrived and the enemy counter-attack was smashed with heavy casualties. Fusilier Jefferson’s gallant act not merely saved the lives of his company and caused many casualties to the Germans, but also broke up the enemy counter-attack and had a decisive effect on the subsequent operation. His supreme gallantry and disregard of personal risk contributed very largely to the success of the action."
London Gazette 13th July 1944.
Fusilier Jefferson carried on his carrier and died of old age in 1982.
*PIAT stands for Projector Infantry Anti Tank. One can be seen in the painting of him belonging to the Regiment.
