I regret to have to announce the death of Edward Webb MM, one of our last WWII veterans of the 8th Battalion. He died at Christmas and his funeral will be held on Tuesday 10th January at Agecroft Cemetery, Salford. He was awarded the Military Medal for his action in Italy on 1st May 1944.
"The defensive area at Villa Grande occupied by the 8th Battalion consisted of small outposts around the main battalion position. On 1st May 1944 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.
Private Edward Webb was the only man in his section who was not either killed or wounded. Showing great coolness and courage he held his ground for three hours engaging every suitable target with his Bren gun, constantly under fire from the enemy who were endeavouring to prevent the evacuation of the casualties."
