William (Bill) AllenbergBill Allenberg's medals
53046 Warrant Officer Class I William Harry Allenberg DCM
Company Sergeant Major "C" Company, Royal Natal Carbineers.
"Desert Rat and Black Rat"


DCM - The Distinguished Conduct Medal.

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W.H.A.'s Service records.

  • Operation and deed for which S-Sergt.W.H. Allenberg was awarded the DCM.
    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.
  • Field Marshal Montgomery's signature on the recommendation dated 13 December 1942.

    The 4th S.African Armoured Car Regiment theatre of activity.


    The Official "Desert Rat" site


    Click on any photo to enlarge.
    Service Records and Files provided by Gordon T. Bickley in South Africa.
    History and Factual data provided by Ian A. Paterson U.K.
  • BillBill 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.


    citation_King George VI W.H.Allenberg
  • Mentioned in Despatch for distinguished service.
    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
  • DCM awarded to S-Sergeant W.H.Allenberg
    Reverse of the medal.


    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.


  • Award of The Distinguished Conduct Medal. (DCM)
    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.
  • Captured Jerry MK3 assault tank Captured Jerry Feul Captured Jerry Feul
  • Captured Jerry MK3 assault tank - 1942 Tobruk

  • An important capture! We can only assume that this is one of the 14 trucks captured during the daring and brave act for which Staff Sergeant William Harry Allenberg was awarded the DCM

  • Sitting on top of captured Jerry feul.
  • 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 rooikat II rooikat II
    destroyed cardestroyed car The end!
    sand stormsand stormsand storm A real Desert Storm.
    jakhalsiijakhalsii On guard!
    Tobruk Jan 1942Tobruk Jan 1942 Tobruk Jan 1942. Note the ships in the harbour.
    A Tribute to the "The Unknown Soldiers"


    Soldiers Soldiers Unsoldiers
    Left to right photos.

  • Bill Allenberg, Jack Grimbeek, Vleis Meades, Hoffie Hofmeyer.

  • Lt. Klerck, Tpr. White, Tpr. Wittenberg, Tpr. Wright.

  • Unknown Soldier.
  • Unsoldiers Unsoldiers Soldiers Left to right photos.

  • Unknown Soldier.

  • Unknown Soldier.

  • Hoffie Hofmeyer.
  • Unknown Soldier. Unknown Soldier. Unknown Soldier. Left to right photos.

  • Unknown Soldier.

  • Unknown Soldier.

  • Unknown Soldier.
  • Links

    The 6th South African Armoured Division

    To provide information about the unknown soldiers or question me: email here.