A Battle of the Mareth Line Immediate DCM to CSM McLoughlin Green Howards / part of a VC Action

G.V.I Distinguished Conduct Medal, correctly impressed 4340914 A/W.O. Cl. II. M. McLoughlin. Green Howards.

GSM 1918-62, bar Palestine, correctly impressed 4340914 Pte. M. Mcloughlin. Green. Howards

1939 to 45 Star

Africa Star 8th Army Clasp

Italy Star

Defence Medal

End of War Medal 

Condition NGVF

Michael McLoughlin was a native of Galashiels in the Scottish Borders. Enlisting in 1939, he initially served with the East Yorkshire Regiment before transferring to the Green Howards. 

Pre WW2, McLoughlin served with the 1st Bn in Palestine. His service with the Bn continued until he was posted to the 7th Bn in 1942. By 1943, he had risen to the rank of acting CSM of 'B' Coy.

The 7th were part of the force tasked with attacking the strongly fortified Mareth Line. The Bn had to deal with minefields, and the Germans and Italians had prepared positions overlooking the line. These positions had fixed MG's emplacements, and they could call on heavy artillery support. 

The Bn, while trying to move forward to attack, were subjected to all the defences available to the enemy. While a party attempted to clear a path through the minefield, the rest of the Bn was hammered with artillery, mortars and MG fire. 

It was in this attack on the 20th of March 1943 that McLoughlin was to win the DCM. The citation is as follows;

' On the night of the 20th March 1943, Sgt McLoughlin was acting CSM of B Company, the forward Company of a Battalion attack on a strongly held position. The Company were held up at a minefield whilst the R.E. parties cleared a gap and bridged the Anti- Tank ditch and enemy shell and mortar fire were intense. Sgt McLoughlin, regardless of his own saftey was everywhere rallying the men and inspiring them with his own indomitable spirit. 

The enemy fire was again encountered across the Anti - Tank ditch, but Sgt McLoughlin pushed on undeterred, shepherding his party through to the objective. When the Company had rallied on the objective, Sgt McLoughlin was again around the men under heavy fire exhorting them and inspiring them with courage and confidence. He was everywhere he was wanted continually urging them to greater efforts.

When day broke, the Company was in an exposed position and still subject to heavy shell, mortar and machine gun fire, but throughout the day, Sgt McLoughlin was an inspiration to all who saw him with his cheerfulness, courage and confidence.'

His award was announced in the London Gazette on the 1st of June 1943.

The battalion commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Derek Anthony Seagrim, was awarded the Victoria Cross for this action. 

The 7th went on to take part in 'Operation Husky', the invasion of Sicily. Although the initial stages of the invasion for the 7th Bn were relatively straightforward, the fighting soon intensified. On the 14th of July 1943, while pushing along the coast towards the Primisole Bridge area, they came across stiff resistance. Having to attack uphill against a well-entrenched German force, McLoughlin was hit by machine gun fire, which seriously wounded him; sadly, he lost a leg.