Cliff,
I have often wondered what became of Pte Webb. As Mons Star states, he was awarded the MM for his part in Operation Teal on 1st May 1944, part of the campaign in Italy. The following extracts are from the draft of the history of the 8th Battalion, hopefully to see the light of day in mid 2009.
"The defensive area at Villa Grande occupied by the battalion consisted of small outposts around the main battalion position. On 1st May Lieutenant Kerr and 15 other ranks of ‘D’ Company had been occupying a forward position codenamed ‘Teal’. Their relief had arrived and as the handover was under way they were engaged by heavy mortar, machine-gun and infantry fire. After the initial mortaring and under cover of their machine-gun fire, the German infantry, using stick grenades and demolition charges of Teller mines blew up the remaining walls of the houses in the outpost area.
Although his own men had managed to get away Lieutenant Kerr stayed behind in order to brief the Sergeant in charge of the relieving party. He was last seen by Sergeant Lee trying to reach the left forward Bren-gun position, which afterwards was found to have been blown up. After searching the ruins, the Germans withdrew and the area was again heavily mortared for 30 minutes. A relief patrol under Lieutenant Hill went out to get the few remaining unwounded men at ‘Teal’ but was himself killed whilst rescuing the wounded and organising the defence of the position. It had been a sad day for the Ardwicks with two officers and seven other ranks killed. Officer casualties at that time meant that a number of junior officers from other regiments were brought into the battalion to make up strength.
On the 21st June Major Philip Wilson and Private Webb of ‘D’ Company attended an investiture at Division Headquarters. Major Wilson was presented with the ribbon of the MBE for his work whilst commanding the Divisional Battle School in Syria. Private Webb was presented with the ribbon of the Military Medal for his courage and devotion to duty during the attack on ‘Teal’ of 1st May.
On 1 June 1948 the Ardwicks joined other battalions of the Regiment in welcoming Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on her appointment as Colonel-in-Chief. The parade was held at Dunham Park, Altrincham, the temporary home of the Regimental Depot and the 1st Battalion. During the parade Major P D Wilson was presented with his MBE, Lieutenant K G Moore his MC and Lance Corporal E Webb his MM.
