in what was a critical stage in the five-day battle. Captain Nicholls maintained this high standard in subsequent operations. He established a fine reputation as an able officer with exceptional qualities of courage and leadership. It should be noted that this officer was awarded his first MC for service at Tobruk during the World War II.

THE MILITARY CROSS

BOUSFIELD, Brian Nicholson, Lieutenant (3/35021),
3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1953

Lieutenant Bousfield provided outstanding service both as a platoon commander and in the many fighting reconnaissance patrols he led. On the night of 13/14 January 1953, he particularly distinguished himself when the patrol he was commanding was given the task of penetrating the enemy lines and taking a prisoner. On arrival at the objective, the patrol came under heavy and accurate enemy mortar and machine-gun fire followed by a swift and aggressive counter-attack. Under Lieutenant Bousfield's leadership, the patrol beat off this attack at close quarters enabling the snatch party, which had successfully inflicted casualties on the enemy in his trenches, to withdraw. Later, during the withdrawal to its position, the patrol encountered some thirty enemy soldiers who had cut the withdrawal route. Under his skilful control and leadership, the patrol fought its way through the enemy, inflicting severe casualties. Not long after, the enemy again attacked fiercely and Lieutenant Bousfield, by this time covering the withdrawal of the main body of the patrol with a small party, was severely wounded in the leg. He continued to command the group with great coolness and fortitude and refused to be evacuated until he was certain that the main body had reached its own lines. Lieutenant Bousfield's conduct during this action was typical of the courage, determination and devotion to duty he displayed at all times as a platoon commander both under shellfire and in close combat with the enemy.