On This Day ... in 1857 & Others
During fighting at Delhi, Lieutenant Richard Wadeson of the 75th Regiment twice went to the aid of wounded men, killing the mutineers who were attacking them.
His citation reads
"Richard Wadeson, Lieutenant, 75th Regiment. Date of Act of Bravery: 18th July, 1857. For conspicuous bravery at Delhi on the 18th July, 1857, when the regiment was engaged in the Subjee Mundee, in having saved the life of Private Michael Farrell, when attacked by a sowar of the enemy`s cavalry, and killed the sowar. Also on the same day for rescuing Private John Barry, of the same regiment, when wounded and helpless, he was attacked by a cavalry sowar, whom Lieut. Wadeson killed."
Wadeson went on to reach the rank of Colonel
Colour Sergeant Coughlan of the same Regiment had previously distinguished himself by rescuing a wounded man in June. On this day he led an attack through heavy fire, broke into a position held by mutineers, and wiped them out, then went back through the enemy fire to bring up stretcher-bearers to carry away the wounded.
An account of his bravery on 18 July in the London Gazette read: "Colour Sgt Coughlan encouraged a party who hesitated to charge down a lane raked by a cross-fire, then entering with the said party, into an enclosure filled with the enemy, destroyed every man; for having also on the same occasion returned under a cross-fire to collect dhoolies [early stretchers] to carry off the wounded." Queen Victoria felt moved to write a personal letter to Sgt Major Coughlan on hearing about his act of bravery.
Both men received the Victoria Cross.
1940: The Battle of Britain saw occasional skirmishes around the UK coastline.
1944: Land, air and sea power were brought together for Operation Goodwood, an attempt by the British Second Army to break through the German defences in Normandy. Bomber Command, supported by some USAAF aircraft, was tasked with conducting a massive air bombardment on German troops in the target area east of Caen, with warships and artillery units shelling enemy anti-aircraft defences to suppress them.
942 RAF bombers dropped over 5,000 tons of bombs on the 21st Panzer Division and 16th Luftwaffe Field Division at dawn. Only six aircraft were lost to anti-aircraft fire, despite the relatively low altitude at which the attack was conducted.
The initial thrust led by the Guards, 7th and 11th Armoured Divisions made good progress through the shattered German positions, but then found itself constrained by minefields and bottle-necks at bridges, and facing mounting resistance. After two days heavy fighting and the loss of 413 tanks, the attack was called off. It had, however, helped distract the Germans while US forces mounted their break-out under Operation Cobra.
Comments
"Actung! Jabos!!
Aircaft shown are Hawker Typhoons - used for close air support - of the Second Tactical Air Force operating from a forward airfield in France. 4 X 20mm cannon, 8 X rockets or 2 X 250/500 lbs bombs. Max speed 413 mph @ 6000 ft.
Posted by: Beausaber | July 22, 2009 3:48 PM