Military Medal : Staff Sergeant W K McK Lyall, 2/28 Battalion

Military Medal (Geo VI). Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

WX3789 Warrant Officer William Kenneth McKenzie Lyall served with 2/28 Battalion from 1 June 1940 to 19 September 1943. As a Staff Sergeant he was awarded the Military Medal for action at at El Alamein in 1942. Citation for the award reads:
"STAFF-SERGEANT LYALL, who was Company Quartermaster Sergeant, 'D' Company 2nd/28th Battalion, was, on the night of 26th/27th July 1942 placed in charge of Battalion transport for the attack on RUIN RIDGE (EL ALAMEIN). Displaying coolness and initiative he led his vehicles forward through a minefield and heavy fire from enemy 88-m.m. guns and arrived at his company area with the stores, arms and ammunition which were urgently needed. At about 0450 hours STAFF-SERGEANT LYALL volunteered to take a truck to run a message back to Brigade Headquarters to the effect that the battalion was surrounded and short of personnnel and ammunition. While crossing the minefield the vehicle was struck by an 88-m.m. shell and blown on to a mine which exploded and smashed the vehicle. STAFF-SERGEANT LYALL and the driver were thrown clear unhurt but dazed and shaken. Under machine gun fire they made their way to 2nd/43rd Battalion area where STAFF-SERGEANT LYALL delivered the message. Throughout the whole episode STAFF-SERGEANT LYALL displayed coolness, steadfastness and outstanding courage and devotion to duty."

• 1939-45 Star : Warrant Officer W K McK Lyall, 2/28 Battalion
• Africa Star : Warrant Officer W K McK Lyall, 2/28 Battalion
• Defence Medal : Warrant Officer W K McK Lyall, 2/28 Battalion
• British War Medal 1939-45 : Warrant Officer W K McK Lyall, 2/28 Battalion
• Australia Service Medal : Warrant Officer W K McK Lyall, 2/28 Battalion