A Burma Kaladin River Crossing Military Cross and later Mention in Despatches group awarded to Captain J.N. Zieleznick, Gambia Regiment, Royal West African Frontier Force who was awarded the Military Cross in the London Gazette of 22nd March 1945, for his part in the crossing of the River Kaladan at Tinma on night of 4/5th December 1944 who crossed 500m of river in bright moonlight not knowing if the enemy were holding the bank. Having found a landing sight, he sent a message back, and then accompanied by his Bren gunner made a detailed reconnaissance of the whole bridgehead area. As a result of this, the crossings were completed well ahead of schedule, his cold blooded courage in crossing accelerated the completion of a very hazardous operation. The enemy was subsequently located and engaged with the bayonet inflicting casualties upon them and forcing them to withdraw in some confusion.
Group of 5: Military Cross, GVIR, the reverse engraved ‘CAPT J.N. ZIELEZNICK, GAMBIA REGIMENT 4TH-5TH DECEMBER’, the reverse is dated 1945 and additionally noted as a Duplicate. 1939-1945 Star; Burma Star; Defence Medal; War Medal along with Mention in Despatches oak leaf emblem. Court-mounted for wear.
Condition: Military Cross is an official replacement, court-mounted for wear, Good Very Fine
Jan Kazimierz Zieleznik was awarded the Military Cross in the London Gazette of 22nd March 1945 for his gallantry in Burma with the 1st Battalion, The Gambia Regiment, Royal West African Frontier Force. The original recommendation for the award reading:
‘At the crossing of the River Kaladan at Tinma on night of 4/5 December. Capt Zieleznik was in command of the leading Coy. Owing to the operational necessity of crossing the river as soon as possible, it was decided to cross tat 2330 hrs, low timed, although proper reconnaissance of the far bank at low tide had not been possible. When the first flight arrived at the beach it was found that the low tide had left a wide band of treacherous impassable mud. Capt Zieleznik showing the greatest resource, energy and initiative immediately organised the building of corduroy paths over the mud to enable the boats to be launched. It was feared that the enemy bank would present a similar obstacle to landing. Capt Zieleznik immediately volunteered to recce the other bank. Accompanied by one A.O.R. with an L.M.G. he crossed the 500x of river in bright moonlight not knowing if the enemy were holding the bank. On arrival on the far bank he found a possible landing place, sent a message back, and then accompanied by his Bren gunner only, made a detailed reconnaissance of the whole bridgehead area. As a result of this reconnaissance, the job of the leading flights of troops was simplified, and the crossings completed well ahead of their schedule. Capt Zieleznik’s cold blooded courage in crossing the bright moonlight accelerated the completion of a very hazardous operation. He set the finest example to his own Company, who crossed in the van in record time so keen were they to get to the support of their Company Commander whom they knew was alone on the other side. Without Capt. Zieleznik’s performance it is probable that the whole operation would have been delayed, and the enemy, who were found 1000x from the bridgehead at 0400Hrs would have withdrawn unhindered. As it was, the enemy was located, and Capt Zieleznik’s Coy came under fire and immediately pursued the enemy with the bayonet. Casualties were inflicted on the enemy, who promptly withdrew in some confusion, so complete was the surprised achieved by the crossing.’
Zieleznik would subsequently also be Mentioned in Despatches for his services in Burma in the London Gazette of 5th April 1945.
