By 1400 hrs on 19 September, 1944 the confusion and heavy casualties saw 24 year old Captain Lionel Queripel acting as commander of a small group of British Paras, survivors of the onslaught at Arnhem. As they advanced along a main road, they came under murderous MG and AT Fire. Whilst carrying a wounded sergeant away from the kill zone, Lionel was himself wounded in the face. Despite his injuries and the extremely heavy fire directed at him, Captain Queripel advanced and succeeded in killing the crews of the machine-guns and AT Gun, allowing his men to advance.
He then defended some woodland near the Wolfheze level crossing which was vital to the allied advance. By this time he had received further wounds in both arms, and only he and a small party of men took up a position in a ditch. Disregarding his injuries and the heavy mortar and machine gun fire, he continued to inspire his men to resist with hand grenades, pistols, and the few remaining rifles. As the enemy pressure increased, Captain Queripel decided that it was impossible to hold the position any longer and ordered the men to withdraw.
Despite their protests, he insisted on remaining behind to cover their withdrawal with his automatic pistol and a few remaining hand grenades. This was the last occasion on which he was seen. His remains were recovered in February 1945 and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross; one of only five recipients from Operation Market Garden. #stayzero #zerofoxtrot #uk #para #ww2