Company Sergeant Major "C" Company, Royal Natal Carbineers. "Desert Rat and Black Rat" DCM - The Distinguished Conduct Medal. Actions described here On 5 NOV 42 Allenberg's Sqn was operating behind enemy lines south of Daba - one of his Sqn. cars attacking 14 German trucks had been hit and captured with its crew - at last light. Allenberg observing the approximate laeger (laager) area set forth after dark in a 15 OWT bug (vehicle) accompanied by 6 O/Ranks. At approximately 02:00 hours on NOV 06 the laeger was discovered and the party approached to within 50 yards and opened up with their automatic rifles. Allenberg showing splendid leadership and outstanding bravery lead his party in and finally recaptured the men taken prisoner in the early evening together with 14 enemy trucks and 25 prisoners. Click on any photo to enlarge. | |
Bill Allenberg was a Staff Sergeant in the 6th South African Armoured Division. He served on active duty from 1941 to 1945 (a total of 5 years and 95 days), serving with the 4th South African Armoured Car Regiment as part of 7th Armd Div in 1941 & 1942 and on the 15 October 1942 he was recalled to South Africa and transferd to Italy.
Service records.
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War Office, 15 December, 1942. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East during the period November, 1941, to April, 1942: SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 15 DECEMBER, 1942 London Gazette Issue 35821 published on the 11 December 1942. Page 12 of 20 - - 53046 S/Sergeant W.H.Allenberg | |
The operation and deed for which S-Sergt.W.H. Allenberg was awarded the DCM. Note Field Marshal Mongomery's signature on the form dated 13 December 1942. |
War Office, 25th February, 1943 The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East: London Gazette Issue 35917 published on the 23 February 1943. Page 2 of 2 - - No. 53046 T/Sergeant (acting Warrant Officer Class II) William Harry Allenberg; South African Forces. Quote from The British War Museum, "Contrary to what may be implied by the term "Distinguished Conduct ..." it should be remembered that this medal was, for NCOs and other ranks, second only to the Victoria Cross." The Distinguished Conduct Medal was reserved for exceptional acts of bravery. Nearly 25,000 DCMs were issued during World War I, compared to 1,900 for acts during World War II. Only 54 South Africans were awarded the DCM. |
This is the 4th South African Armoured Car Regiment (SAACR), later the 4th/6th SAACR Regiment under the British 7th Armoured Division (The Desert Rats) who fought in the battle of El Alamein. Note the insignia on the front of the car. For details of other units that served with the British 7th Armoured Division see Ian Patersons detailed account. 6th South African Armoured Division | |
The end! | |
A real Desert Storm. | |
On guard! | |
Tobruk Jan 1942. Note the ships in the harbour. | |
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Left to right photos. |
Left to right photos. | |
Left to right photos. | |
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The 6th South African Armoured Division | |
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