Tasker Watkins

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

WATKINS, Tasker. (reg.No. 1279)

Lieutenant. 1st/5th Battalion. Welch Regiment.

London Gazetted on 2nd November 1944.

VC Medal is in recipients hands.

Born on the 2nd November, 1944 at Nelson, Glamorgan, Wales.

Digest of Citation reads: Lieutenant Watkins' company, whilst advancing through booby-trapped cornfields, on their way to attack objectives near the railway at Barfour, Normandy, on 16th August 1944, came under devastating fire from machine-guns and an 88 mm gun, causing many casualties. Being the only officer left, he spearheaded a bayonet charge, with the only 30 men who were not casualties, against 50 of the enemy infantry, resulting in the virtual destruction of that body. Their wireless, having been destroyed, Lieutenant Watkins company had not received the orders to withdraw. It was now dusk and they found themselves, in depleted numbers, alone in the failing light. He decided to rejoin his battalion and on their way back, they were passing through the cornfields once again. They were challenged by the enemy at close range. Ordering his men to spread out, Lieutenant Watkins, armed with a Bren gun, single-handedly charged the post and, on silencing it, continued to lead the remaining men of his company back to Battalion HQ. Further research required.

Additional information:. Major Watkins also holds The Knights Grand Cross, The Most Excellent Order of The British Empire. (GBE) He was one of the eleven surving VCs who attended the VC dedication at Westminster Abbey on 14th May, 2003