"During the initial attack at Miteiriya Ridge on the 23rd October, 1942, the Commander of No. 17
Platoon, to which Sergeant Kibby belonged, was killed. No sooner had
Sergeant Kibby assumed command, than his Platoon was ordered to attack
strong enemy positions holding up the advance of his Company. Sergeant
Kibby immediately realized the necessity for quick decisive action, and
without thought for his personal safety he dashed forward towards the
enemy posts firing his Tommy-gun. This rapid and courageous individual
action resulted in the complete silencing of the enemy fire, by the
killing of three of the enemy and the capture of twelve others. With
these posts silenced, his Company was then able to continue the advance. After
the capture of TRIG 29 on 26 October, intense enemy artillery
concentrations were directed on the battalion area, which were
invariably followed with counter-attacks by tanks and infantry.
Throughout the attack that culminated in the capture of TRIG 29 and the re-organization period which followed, Sergeant Kibby moved from section
to section personally directing their fire and cheering the men,
despite the fact that the Platoon throughout was suffering heavy
casualties. Several times, while under intense machine‑gun fire, he went
out and mended the platoon line communications, thus allowing mortar
concentrations to be directed effectively against the attacks on his
Company's front. His whole demeanor during this difficult phase in the
operations was an inspiration to his Platoon. On the night of 30–31 October when the Battalion attacked "ring contour" 25 behind the enemy lines, it was necessary for No. 17
Platoon to move through withering fire in order to reach its objective.
These conditions did not deter Sergeant Kibby from pressing forward
right to the objective, despite his platoon's being mowed down by
machine-gun fire from point-blank range. One pocket of resistance still remained and Sergeant Kibby went forward
alone throwing grenades to destroy the enemy now only a few yards
distant. Just as success appeared certain, he was killed by a burst of
machine gunfire. Such outstanding courage, tenacity of purpose and
devotion to duty was entirely responsible for the successful capture of
the Company's objective. His work was an inspiration to all and he left
behind an example and the memory of a soldier who fearlessly and
unselfishly fought to the end to carry out his duty."
May you be at peace,
Brian
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