The following is the text from Army Form W.3121 describing the date, place and action for which 7012057 Serjeant Robert John Rainey was recommended for an award by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel I C Harris, in November 1944 and forwarded through the chain of command until approved and signed by the Commander-in-Chief 21 Army Group, Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery. Sjt Rainey was awarded the Military Medal (MM) and the award was promulgated on Page 1712 of the Supplement to The London Gazette dated 29 March 1945.

On night of 18/19 September 44 the Battalion
forced a crossing of the MEUSE-ESCAUT CANAL.
C Company, of which Sjt RAINEY was
commanding 15 Platoon, was left forward
company.

During the erection of the assault
boats the company was mortared and suffered
casualties. Whilst actually crossing the
canal, the company was machine gunned.
From both these incidents, some casualties
were caused. However, 15 Platoon
under the excellent leadership of Sjt RAINEY was
one of the leading platoons to negotiate
the obstacle and he was very soon soundly
established on his objective.

Later, the company was counter attacked,
but the enemy were driven off. Sjt RAINEY
was conspicuously cool and in complete
command of the situation in his area.

From July until the end of September, 1944 he
was in command of the Platoon and with the utmost
devotion to duty accepted all the responsibilities
of an officer.

For the past month Sjt RAINEY has been carrying
out the duties of Company Serjeant-Major, in the
absence of the CSM in hospital. During the period
he has sustained the qualities of leadership and
acceptance of responsibility in every way.

He is a first rate NCO, showing consistently a
high standard of discipline, and his calmness and
courage are an excellent example to his company.