Proctor MC, T/Major P J

214654 W/Captain (T/Major) Patrick Joseph Proctor RUR, from Rathmullan, County Donegal, whilst serving with the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Fusiliers, in 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade, was recommended for an award for his actions at Termoli, Italy, on 6 October 1943. He was awarded the Military Cross (MC). The Recommendation (AF W2131) stated:

At Termoli on October 6th, 1943, Major Proctor was in
command of “A” Company partaking in a Battalion attack
with a squadron of tanks on enemy positions on the
high ground NORTH of S GIACOMO and along the road
leading from that point towards TERMOLI. “A” Company
was moving in rear at the beginning of the attack but
when the forward Coys were temporarily held up Major
Proctor at once moved forward on his own initiative
up the right flank. Advancing very rapidly in close
co-operation with the tanks he moved his Coy into a
brick factory which was the first objective. This
advance was made in the teeth of fierce opposition
from enemy tanks and infantry, but so rapid was it
that the enemy were thrown off their guard and the
strong-point in the factory was not seriously defended.
After a brief reorganisation the advance was
resumed with “A” Coy still leading. Opposition from
enemy tanks and MGs was encountered but rapidly over-
come, and by 1530 hrs the final objective, Pt 161, was
gained and the enemy driven off leaving several
wounded prisoners in our hands.
Major Proctor’s work has been consistently of a
high order. His leadership and personal example has
instilled a high moral in his Coy and his sound
judgement has been responsible for many successful actions
in the field.

Major Proctor, aged 32, was killed in action on 27 October 1943 and is buried in the Sangro River War Cemetary.