"Upon landing on the beach under heavy fire he attached himself to the
Regimental Aid Post which had been set up in a slight depression on the
beach, but which was only sufficient to give cover to men lying down. During the subsequent period of approximately eight hours, while the
action continued, this officer not only assisted the Regimental Medical Officer in ministering to the wounded in the Regimental Aid Post, but
time and again left this shelter to inject morphine, give first-aid and
carry wounded personnel from the open beach to the Regimental Aid Post.
On these occasions, with utter disregard for his personal safety,
Honorary Captain Foote exposed himself to an inferno of fire and saved
many lives by his gallant efforts. During the action, as the tide went
out, the Regimental Aid Post was moved to the shelter of a stranded
landing craft. Honorary Captain Foote continued tirelessly and
courageously to carry wounded men from the exposed beach to the cover of
the landing craft. He also removed wounded from inside the landing
craft when ammunition had been set on fire by enemy shells. When landing
craft appeared he carried wounded from the Regimental Aid Post to the
landing craft through very heavy fire. On several occasions this officer had the opportunity to embark
but returned to the beach as his chief concern was the care and
evacuation of the wounded. He refused a final opportunity to leave the
shore, choosing to suffer the fate of the men he had ministered to for
over three years. Honorary Captain Foote personally saved many lives by his efforts and
his example inspired all around him. Those who observed him state that
the calmness of this heroic officer, as he walked about, collecting the
wounded on the fire-swept beach will never be forgotten."
From Capt. Foote's Victoria Cross citation, awarded on 14th February, 1946.
A true honored ally,
Brian
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