Captain Thomas Roland Juckes

6th Airborne Division - 3rd Parachute Squadron - No.2 Troop

Sword Beach

From the time he was dropped near Ranville on the night 5th/6th June until 1800 hours 8th June when his Troop was relieved in their defensive position, this officer has displayed the very highest powers of leadership, initiative and personal courage. He has been continually engaged in the execution of RE tasks in the face of the enemy and has led his Troop in an infantry role in a most aggressive fashion. After completing the demolition of two bridges at Bures he led a party including a platoon of 8th Para Battalion and forced a passage through TROARN killing a number of Germans and taking prisoners and carried out further demolitions on the partially demolished TROARN bridge. On withdrawing to the Brigade area at Le MESNIL his Troop occupied defensive positions for 30 hours inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. During this time he supervised the laying of an anti-tank minefield under fire. Throughout the whole of this time he lost no opportunity in harassing the enemy. This officer set a magnificent example to his junior officers and men by his tireless energy, enthusiasm and offensive eagerness.

(Source: Military Medal)