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Born: Thornbury, Victoria, Australia, 13th March, 1913.
Death: Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 27th December, 1970.
Date of Enlistment: 20th October, 1939.
Service No: VX565
Ranks Held:
Final Rank:
Conflicts/Operations: Second World War, 1939-1945
Death: Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 27th December, 1970.
Date of Enlistment: 20th October, 1939.
Service No: VX565
Ranks Held:
Final Rank:
Conflicts/Operations: Second World War, 1939-1945
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Award: Military Cross (Imperial) Date Granted: 16th of August, 1945 Citation: AMF - South West Pacific |
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Total disregard for own safety TOKOKU 24 March 1945.
“During the advance into TOKOKU (or JAIKKOKU) MOUNTAINN PASS Capt. Powell was the Observation Post Officer for the 2/2nd Field Regiment proceeding with A Company and subsequently B Company 2/2nd Australian Infantry Battalion. On 24 March 1945, a platoon accompanied by Capt. Powell advanced and was pinned down by SA (semi-automatic) and LMG (light machine-gun) fire. They suffered casualties and artillery support was requested to make a withdrawal possible. Capt. Powell moved forward of the leading elements of the infantry to obtain observation of his target. Placing himself in great personal danger, he crawled through heavy SA fire to within ten yards of the line of enemy defences and ranged onto the target, virtually bringing his fire down upon himself. He continued to observe and correct his fire until the platoon had withdrawn to safety, and only then did he return to the protection of the infantry. Capt. Powell subsequently directed artillery, mortars and air bombing onto the target over a period of four days. All his observations were carried out from exposed positions ahead of infantry defences. The accuracy of all this fire, at great risk to himself, was largely responsible for the capture of the features leading to the pass. His conduct under fire, and total disregard for his own safety, was an inspiration to all ranks engaged in this action.” – Gazetted Citation.
“During the advance into TOKOKU (or JAIKKOKU) MOUNTAINN PASS Capt. Powell was the Observation Post Officer for the 2/2nd Field Regiment proceeding with A Company and subsequently B Company 2/2nd Australian Infantry Battalion. On 24 March 1945, a platoon accompanied by Capt. Powell advanced and was pinned down by SA (semi-automatic) and LMG (light machine-gun) fire. They suffered casualties and artillery support was requested to make a withdrawal possible. Capt. Powell moved forward of the leading elements of the infantry to obtain observation of his target. Placing himself in great personal danger, he crawled through heavy SA fire to within ten yards of the line of enemy defences and ranged onto the target, virtually bringing his fire down upon himself. He continued to observe and correct his fire until the platoon had withdrawn to safety, and only then did he return to the protection of the infantry. Capt. Powell subsequently directed artillery, mortars and air bombing onto the target over a period of four days. All his observations were carried out from exposed positions ahead of infantry defences. The accuracy of all this fire, at great risk to himself, was largely responsible for the capture of the features leading to the pass. His conduct under fire, and total disregard for his own safety, was an inspiration to all ranks engaged in this action.” – Gazetted Citation.