Gaffney MM, L/Cpl Kevin

The following is the text from Army Form W.3121 describing the date, place and action for which 7019739 Lance Corporal Kevin Gaffney was recommended for an award by the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion The London Irish Rifles (RUR), Lieutenant Colonel H Rogers, in August 1943 and forwarded through the chain of command for approval. L/Cpl Gaffney was awarded the Military Medal (MM) and his award was promulgated in the Supplement to The London Gazette dated 18 November 1943.

This N.C.O. was in charge of ‘H’ Coy wireless set
during the attack on the afternoon of 5 Aug 43. Under
the most difficult circumstances and under continual
sniping he helped to carry the set across the RIVER
SIMETO which was deep and swift. On arrival on the far
bank it was necessary to dismantle the set to get it up
the further bank by the side of a waterfall. This was
done and the set re-assembled under fire in ten minutes.
The maintenance of communication by the N.C.O. and his
operator enabled ammunition to be sent to the Company
when urgently required and kept me in touch with the
situation at a vital period. This devotion to duty and great
courage, coupled with technical [unreadable], was largely
instrumental in bringing the attack to a successful
conclusion.