| Recipient | 2718510 Guardsman Robert James Adamson |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Distinguished Conduct Medal |
| Date of Action | 21/22 February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/162 |
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| In the Anzio Beach head this Guardsman was a member of a platoon of No. 3 Company which on the night 21st/22nd February took over positions from the II/6th US Regiment.
Guardsman Adamson and a Guardsman Montgomery were allotted to a forward outpost position. On the way up they picked up an abandoned American Browning machine-gun and ammunition. With this machine-gun and a box of grenades these two men established themselves well forward of the company position and spent the night harrying German posts and breaking up German patrols. Just before dawn, Guardsman Adamson went back to the former American positions where he found another Browning and more ammunition. These he brought forward, and then for the rest of the day those two Guardsmen, Guardsman Adamson and his companion, conducted a private war against the enemy. They operated on the ridges forward of the enemy positions and could be quite clearly seen as they moved from place to place, covering each other with great skill, till they came to the final phase of each little operation. When under covering fire from his companion, Guardsman Adamson closed in on the sniper or Spandau posts, and, not having the means or inclination to take prisoners, shot the Germans with a Tommy Gun, which was his original equipment.
Guardsman Montgomery was eventually wounded and had to withdraw, so Guardsman Adamson continued operations alone and for the three last hours of daylight gave the enemy no rest and no chance to form up for an organized attack. At dusk, Guardsman Adamson came in to Company HQ and asked a stretcher-bearer to dress what he called a slight wound on the side of his face. While this was being done he fainted, and it was seen that he had a severe wound which must have been causing him intense pain. It is impossible to find out when exactly Guardsman Adamson was wounded, but it is certain that for some time he must have been fighting while handicapped by excruciating pain, which would have incapacitated a man of lesser physical and mental determination and complete devotion to duty.
Guardsman Adamson's remarkable and persistent gallantry, his initiative and skill, and his complete disregard of danger and suffering, on top of a long and excellent record as a fighting man in Tunisia and Italy, deserve in my opinion the immediate award of the DCM.
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| Recipient | 2740564 Lance Serjeant George Banks |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Medal |
| Date of Action | 29/30 January 1944 |
| London Gazette | 21 December 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/9/159 |
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| This Lance Sergeant commanded a section of No. 3 Company with great skill and courage up till February 12th when he was evacuated to hospital. On 26th January, Lance Sergeant Banks held the left-hand forward post of the battalion position at Carroceto. The Germans attacked with tanks and infantry at dawn. Lance Sergeant Banks maintained complete control of his section, kept them hidden from the tanks and engaged the enemy infantry when they appeared with devastating small arms fire. By his control, steadfastness and personal example, he ensured that his platoon and company’s positions remained firm.
On the night attack of 29th/30th January this Lance Sergeant led his section with a confidence and determination that communicated itself to all ranks. On the morning of the 30th January he was put in command of his platoon, owing to casualties, and with American tank destroyers took part in the clearing operation on the left flanks of the Brigade’s position. On this day and the following day, he displayed the highest qualities of leadership, [illegible] and leading the assaults on the the small German positions that were dotted all over this area. His personal dash set an example to his men which they eagerly followed, and by his cheerfulness and encouragements he kept his men working at high pitch for forty-eight hours, always alert and energetic. The two most difficult and troublesome machine-gun posts were located by him on the 31st and eliminated by a most skilful combination of the covering fire of Tank Destroyers and a small party, headed by this Lance-Sergeant.
In my opinion this young NCO displayed a courage, determination and ability that merits the award of MM. |
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| Recipient | 156081 Lieutenant Anthony Bell |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Cross |
| Date of Action | Periodic |
| London Gazette | 21 December 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/9/46 |
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| Throughout the whole of this period, he was as tireless in his activity as he was outstanding for his skill and courage. Apart from fighting, the Carrier Platoon was constantly employed to bring up supplies and ammunition and to evacuate wounded from dangerously exposed places. This officer led all these parties himself, and by his initiative and example ensured that no position was left without supplies and that no wounded man was left untended longer than was humanly possible. On the night attack January 29th/30th Lieutenant Bell went forward on foot with No. 4 Company to their objective, the area OLO 873354. The area was still infested with German snipers and machine-gun posts which had been bypassed during the night. Lieutenant Bell made his way back together with Major H.L.S. Young across open country, under close and heavy small arms fire, collected his carrier platoon and brought them up to clear the area behind No. 4 Company's position. This he did most successfully. When, owing to the impossibility of getting up supporting arms to them, the two forward companies withdrew to a new position, Lieutenant Bell covered them through and then himself went round to the left flank to No. 3 Company to engage the enemy in area of Valleleta Farm, where fighting a dismounted action they engaged and destroyed enemy snipers and machine gun post.
When, on 4th February, the battalion took up position in the area of the caves and Carrier Farm, the Carrier Platoon was ordered to hold Ration Farm. This was an exposed but dominant position, and the platoon was subjected to constant artillery and machine-gun fire. Lieutenant Bell held this position for a week, during the whole of which he acted as artillery FOO. He installed himself in an upper room of the farmhouse and there, totally disregarding the enemy fire, calmly directed our guns onto any enemy formations. The house was hit several times and was an obvious target, but since it was the only vantage point in the whole area, Lieutenant Bell, with great devotion to duty and total disregard for the inevitable consequences to himself, continued to man this post personally and by his accurate observation and skilful direction broke up at least two attempts of the enemy to advance down the axis of the main road.
On the morning of February 11th, an 88mm shell coming through the window exploded in the room, killing two Americans who were there and wounding Lieutenant Bell seriously. This officer inspired the greatest devotion and enthusiasm among the men under his command. His great personal gallantry, remarkable example of devotion to duty and outstanding initiative, merit in my opinion, the award of the Military Cross.
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| Recipient | 2721887 Guardsman James Branthwaite |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Medal |
| Date of Action | 21/22 February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/220 |
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| On the night February 21st/22nd February 22, No. 2 Company was ordered to take over positions from a Company of the II/6th US Regiment. The company had to move across open rough ground in the pitch dark to unknown positions, under fixed line enemy machine-gun fire and were also heavily shelled.
Guardsman Branthwaite, together with four other Guardsmen was wounded by this shelling. The four other Guardsmen were evacuated to the RAP, which was only a short distance away. But this Guardsman realising the importance of the ammunition load he was carrying and the necessity for the severely depleted company to have every man who could fire a riffle, concealed the fact that he was wounded and, ignoring the pain, continued with his section. He brought up his heavy burden to the company location and took up position with his section. He remained with this company for another twenty four hours, manning a section post and fighting with great skill and determination until the stiffening of his wound made him incapable of moving and he was evacuated just before dawn on February 23rd.
The conduct of this Guardsman throughout an extremely difficult period when he was in continual pain and under constant fire from an enemy at close quarters was a model of courage, devotion to duty and complete disregard for himself and was an inspiration to his comrades.
I strongly recommend he be awarded an Immediate Military Medal. |
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| Recipient | 101405 Chaplain to the Forces 4th Class Dom Rudesind Brookes |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Cross |
| Date of Action | Periodic |
| London Gazette | 21 December 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/9/57 |
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| Father Brookes has been the chaplain attached to this battalion ever since it came abroad. He has now served in both the Tunisian and Italian campaigns. In both these campaigns he has shown almost unbelievable devotion to duty and bravery. No wounded or dying man wherever he maybe has gone without Father Brookes' attention. He has been in places where the fire has been impossibly heavy and yet he has given comfort to the dying without any thought for his own safety.
During the last few weeks, in probably the fiercest fighting the British Army has yet seen, this Priest moved through shot and shell never appearing too tired to go to the furthest points to help a wounded man. He acted as the Medical Officer's assistant and on many occasions helped the stretcher bearers in their dangerous tasks of carrying men in. There are not words strong enough to describe the wonderful and shining example Father Brookes gave to all ranks, and all the officers and men of this battalion would give testimony to the tireless kindliness, inspiration, and help they all received from his hand. His personal bravery in addition to his priestly qualities gained him the admiration of all. The sight of Father Brookes pacing up and down and reading his Breviary under heavy fire has restored the confidence of many a shaken man.
In recognition of the Chaplain's extreme gallantry and unsparing devotion to duty, I recommend he be awarded the MC. |
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| Recipient | 99560 T/Captain Simon Harvey Combe |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Cross |
| Date of Action | 03/04 February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 24 August 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/7/176 |
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| On the night of the 3rd/4th February Captain Combe was acting Adjutant at Battalion HQ The German attack was preceded by a heavy bombardment which began at 2300 hours February 3rd. Battalion HQ was continually attacked throughout the night by infantry, but all these attacks were beaten off, largely due to the cool leadership and tireless activity of this officer.
At dawn Battalion HQ was ordered to make its way to the 1st Battalion Scots Guards. Captain Combe arranged this difficult move under constant shell and mortar fire and led the party as it fought its way through the intervening German posts. The Battalion HQ party was eventually trapped in a gully and were marched off as prisoners under an escort of about thirty Germans. The Germans marched the party towards the positions of the Foresters who opened fire. Captain Combe seized the opportunity offered, picked up a rifle and shot the German nearest to him. He then picked up a Tommy Gun and before the Germans had recovered themselves, shot five more. The whole party then followed suit, killed twenty Germans and handed 9 over to the Foresters as POW.
Captain Combe then took command of the party consisting of four officers and ten other ranks, and proceeded to fight his way back once more to our lines. A machine-un post in a small house by the road held up the party. Captain Combe arranged the covering fire on to this house, and personally led the assaulting party which cleared the house and captured eight prisoners. He then loaded his party and some wounded on to a few abandoned carriers and drove through the enemy under close and heavysamll arms fire to our own position.
This officer's remarkable initiative, courage and outstanding example was responsible for the release of a large number of British prisoners of various regiments, and the destruction and capture of numerous enemy. He also rescued several wounded including No. 1 Company Commander, Major Sir I. Stewart-Richardson who would otherwise have undoubtedly remained in enemy hands. I strongly recommend this officer for the award of the Military Cross. |
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| Recipient | 2722217 Guardsman Alfred Henry Cross |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Medal |
| Date of Action | 27 February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/218 |
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| On February 27th Battalion HQ situated behind the railway embankment at Aprillia was subjected to an intense concentration of enemy artillery. The 3-ton ammunition lorry of the 5th Battalion Grenadier Guards was parked opposite the slit trench occupied by this Lance Corporal. The truck was hit by a shell and immediately set on fire. Completely disregarding the exploding 3-inch mortar bombs and anti-tank shells which were going off in all directions Corporal Cross jumped out of his trench, ran to the truck and pulled out of the front seat the Grenadier Warrant Officer in charge who had been severely wounded. The burning truck attracted many enemy shells, and small arms ammunition had now begun to explode, but this Corporal completely ignored his own personal danger and carried the wounded man to the RAP.
Throughout the subsequent days this Lance-Corporal showed the greatest coolness and steadiness in the most trying and dangerous situations. On the morning of February 4th when Battalion HQ were forced to withdraw from their position this Corporal and two others under command of Major Gordon-Watson fought their way back through an area infested with Germans until they reached No. 4 Company. This Corporal personally accounted for several Germans and greatly assisted the survival of his comrades by his alertness, initiative and bravery. He arrived back at Brigade HQ, personally escorting twelve prisoners.
Lance Corporal Cross is a man who has spent most of his army life in the Orderly Room behind a typewriter where he has rendered invaluable service, but in this campaign he has shown that he is a fighting soldier whose courage, devotion to duty, and complete disregard for personal safety is quite remarkable.
I strongly recommend that he be awarded the MM. |
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| Recipient | 2721127 Lance Corporal Alan Dodds |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Medal |
| Date of Action | 03/04 February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 24 August 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/7/224 |
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| For the first week in the bridgehead this Lance Corporal was Intelligence Dispatch Rider. As such he was entrusted with numerous tasks of responsibility and importance all of which he carried out in an exemplary manner. He was constantly riding up and down roads under heavy shell fire and at all times he remained a model of coolness and willingness.
On February 2nd he took over the duties of Intelligence Sergeant, and as such was at Battalion HQ when the Germans attacked on the night of 3rd/4th February. Throughout the whole of this action he displayed a courage and initiative that was remarkable and constant. Together with Major D.M.L. Gordon-Watson and Lance Corporal Cross he fought his way out of Battalion HQ when it was surrounded and with his Tommy Gun did great execution amongst the Germans who had infiltrated into the gullies in the rear. By a quick snap shot he disposed of a German who suddenly appeared from a culvert, and following up his advantage he captured the remainder of the German section who were hiding in the culvert. He then reported to the Commanding Officer at the farm which was to be the new battalion position, having in the interval found and repaired a derelict motorcycle. Lance Corporal Dodds then immediately set out on numerous hazardous expeditions to meet and guide the small parties of men as they came back. He was a constant target for enemy snipers and machine guns but this did not deter him in the least and he continued to do his duty with complete disregard for his own safety.
Lance Corporal Dodds's reliability, gallantry and initiative were outstanding. I recommend him for the award of MM. |
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| Recipient | 2718336 WS/Serjeant Joseph Dunne |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Distinguished Conduct Medal |
| Date of Action | 28 - 30 January 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/159 |
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| On 28th January 1944 this NCO was in command of No. 13 Platoon of No.3 Company, which held the left flank of the battalion's position at Carroceto. About 0800 hrs a strong German counter attack was put in. One other platoon was overrun and two anti-tank guns and one MMG were knocked out, leaving this platoon’s position completely exposed to the high explosive and small arms fire of the enemy tanks. In spite of this heavy fire Sergeant Dunne reorganised his position at once and beat off two determined German infantry attacks, showing himself, complete disregard for the heavy covering fire given by the tanks.
In the night attack 29/30th January 1944 this NCO led his platoon with the highest skill and determination. When his platoon was held up by a fixed line machine-gun, he dashed forward and destroyed the enemy post single-handed, killing the two Germans who were manning it. The following morning 30th, the company, supported by American tank destroyers, carried out an offensive sweep to clear the ridge on the left flank of the Brigade salient of enemy machine-guns and snipers. During this operation Sergeant Dunne led his platoon with the greatest efficiency and courage destroying three enemy posts with no losses. On the morning of 31st January, Sergeant Dunne located a German snipers' nest. Armed with a rifle he stalked this nest and killed five of the six occupants during the morning. Later in the afternoon he completed the job by killing the remaining sniper who had taken refuge in Valleleta farm. On the night of 3rd/4th February this Sergeant was with his company when it was overrun by a battalion of the enemy. Despite being wounded he fought his way back to his own lines.
This NCOs record for skill, determination, markmanship and personal courage during the whole of the battalion's action in the Anzio bridgehead is of the highest order and merits in my opinion the immediate award of the DCM. |
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| Recipient | 2720247 Lance Corporal John Fany |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Medal |
| Date of Action | 03/04 February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 24 August 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/7/225 |
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| This Lance Corporal was NCO in command of a Vickers MMG stationed in the area of Vallelata on the night 3rd/4th February 1944. In the early hours of the morning 4th February, this position was attacked in force by the enemy. The MMG section fired 17,000 rounds and inflicted heavy casualties before being overwhelmed. Lance Corporal Fahey was marched off as a prisoner, but immediately escaped and made his way to No. 1 Company's position, and with them began to fight a way back to join the Scots Guards.
During this period he was wounded, and once again captured and put with a part of Battalion HQ under German guard. When Battalion HQ, under Captain S.H. Combe, turned on their guards, Lance Corporal Fahey took an active part and despite his wound showed great energy in killing Germans. When the party reached the former company positions it found there some of our carriers and stretcher-bearers. Lance Corporal Fahey refused to remain with these and have the wound in his back dressed, but insisted in accompanying the party as it fought its way back through the enemy, and took a leading part in the assault of a machine-gun post that was holding up the party from a small house. On reaching the Grenadier Guards positions, this Lance Corporal was immediately evacuated by ambulance to the Casualty Clearing Station where several pieces of shrapnel were taken out of his back.
Never once did this Lance-Corporal mention his wound or allow it to impede him in any way. His stoical acceptance of his wound, his great courage and his absolute refusal to remain a prisoner in German hands was an example to all, and deserve in my opinion the award of the MM. |
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| Recipient | 7309 T/Major George Peter Maurice Fitzgerald |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Cross |
| Date of Action | January/February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/118 |
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| Major G.P.M. Fitzgerald has commanded No. 2 Company during all the fighting in Italy. He has commanded his company through each successive battle with a calmness and military efficiency quite out of the ordinary run. During the night attack of January 29/30, this company had a very hard task, and not only did this officer achieve the capture of his objective in the face of very heavy opposition, but by skilful leadership and personal example, moved his company into another position by daylight with negligible casualties.
On the night 21/22 February this officer was taking over the line from II/6 American Amored Battalion. On the way in, heavy shelling caused several casualties to Major Fitzgerald's company. He personally arranged their removal under heavy fire while having the company moved on under its second-in-command and having dealt with all the casualties, rejoined his company in time to carry out the takeover of his position.
During the following four days No. 2 Company were continually attacked, sniped, shelled and mortared. The company commander, by constantly changing his positions, sending out raiding parties and directing fire, caused heavy enemy casualties while conserving his own force most skilfully. They captured several prisoners and although very weak on the ground, never let the Germans in to their position. The continual alertness and the complete control this officer had over his very tired troops was an inspiration to see, and I feel that Major Fitzgerald’s own personal bravery and skilful conduct of his company, saving lives by his experience and coolness all through this campaign, culminating in the fighting February 21 - 24, deserves the immediate award on the Military Cross.
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| Recipient | 63088 Captain David Michael Lindsay Gordon-Watson |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Second Bar to Military Cross |
| Date of Action | 03/04 February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/88 |
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| On the night of February 3rd/4th February Major Gordon-Watson was acting Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards in the area of 8836 north of Carroceto. The enemy put in a very heavy attack on this area and owing to the position on the right of the road being evacuated, the area of Battalion HQ became untenable. This officer ordered Battalion HQ to withdraw to another company's area. There was really heavy fire of all sorts coming down, but with great coolness this officer got his party up and led them personally through the enemy, between his position and the rear one. He had a very stiff fight to get back and personally shot some twelve Germans at short range with revolver and sub-machine gun. Unfortunately the rear of his party got surrounded and taken prisoner, but subsequently escaped. Major Gordon-Watson and three others got through and arrived in their own lines with twelve prisoners in addition to those already killed or wounded.
This officer showed the greatest personal bravery all through that night and undoubtedly his own effort in shooting his way back made others realise that it was possible. His coolness and brave example was remarked on by all and I strongly recommend that he be awarded a further bar to the Military Cross he already holds. |
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| Recipient | 2717328 Serjeant Clements Gundel |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Distinguished Conduct Medal |
| Date of Action | 21 - 25 February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/160 |
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| This NCO has commanded a platoon of No.2 Company since the battalion landed on the beaches, he has been through every action fought by the battalion and has on all occasions distinguished himself by his skill, fine leadership and personal courage.
In the night attack, January 29th/30th made by this battalion, in repelling enemy attacks by day and by night, in hand-to-hand fighting with the enemy, under heavy shell and mortar and small arms fire and in eliminating enemy snipers and machine-gun posts, he has set an example of rugged determination and stoical indifference to the worst that the enemy could do that was an example and encouragement which the men under his command were proud to follow.
On the night of February 21st/22nd when No.2 Company was taking over positions from Americans, his platoon came under heavy shell fire and machine-gun fire from nearby enemy positions. Sergeant Gundel kept complete control of the situation, encouraged the covering LMG fire which disposed of the machine guns and led his platoon to the forward positions allotted to them. There they found there were no positions prepared so Sergeant Gundel with two LMG gunners protected the remainder of the platoon while they dug in, successfully beating back the German patrols which attempted to infiltrate. By dawn the platoon was successfully established and for four days until relieved, held their positions against constant enemy efforts to dislodge them both by day and by night. Owing to the original small numbers of the company and the daily casualties there could be little rest for anyone and none for Sergeant Gundel, but his energy and determination were as unfailing as his personal conduct was gallant. On two successive nights he went forward himself to destroy enemy snipers that had been located by day only two hundred yards from his company position and by his successful elimination of them discouraged the Germans as much as he encouraged his platoon and company.
In view of this NCO's long record of devoted and gallant service in Tunisia and Italy and his particularly conspicuous gallantry between 21st/25th February, I strongly recommend him for the immediate award of the DCM. |
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| Recipient | 186929 Lieutenant Timothy Carelton Keigwin |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Cross |
| Date of Action | 03/04 February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/120 |
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| Lieutenant Keigwin was in command of No. 4 Company, 1st Battalion Irish Guards (in the area CLO 874355) on the night of 3/4 February. Throughout the night the company was subjected to heavy shelling and, after the enemy had succeeded in infiltrating into the battalion position, was also sniped and machine gunned. Keigwin kept complete control of the situation, and when dawn broke and revealed the company to surrounded, the company was able to beat off all attacks and to eliminate the nearest snipers. From the upper stories of a house in this company position, Lieutenant Keigwin directed the fire of the artillery disregarding several 88mm hits on the house and constant small arms fire.
Later in the morning No. 4 Company was ordered to counterattack up towards Battalion HQ. The first task was to extricate Lieutenant Harcourt’s platoon which was cut off from the rest of the company. This Keigwin did skilfully and successfully, killing and capturing the intervening Germans. He then led his company into a most dashing counter-attack which surprised and disorganised the enemy to such an extent that about fifteen Germans were killed and between 130 – 150 demoralised prisoners were marched back through our lines by this company.
Lieutenant Keigwin was undoubtedly the inspiration of his company, and his cool direction and personal courage gave an example to his men which they eagerly followed. He maintained complete control throughout and when ordered to withdraw to a new position, he established a firm base through which the London Scottish could make their attack. In a battle where disorder reigned this company came out in the most controlled manner with full possession of all its G. 1098 equipment and with very high morale. The company was intact except for casualties and there were no stragglers. In my opinion this officer who has never commanded a company before controlled and led his company in a way which was beyond praise. He had fought extremely gallantly in Tunisia where he was wounded.
I strongly recommend him for the award of an immediate Military Cross. |
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| Recipient | 94576 T/Capt. Darby Michael Kennedy |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Cross |
| Date of Action | January/February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/119 |
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| Captain Kennedy was in command of No. 3 Company, 1st Battalion Irish Guards in the area of Carraceto when the Germans attacked on 26th January. He had one platoon overrun by tanks having the two anti-tank guns knocked out. By reorganising the company under heavy infantry and tank fire and personally directing artillery and mortar fire, he restored the situation and beat off the attack causing heavy casualties.
Previous to the night attack on January 29/30 he made some deep patrols with his company gaining much new and useful information. In the early morning of January 30th when the leading company position had to be evacuated for another position, Captain Kennedy with the remainder of his company, numbering forty-five men, mounted on tank busters sailed up into the enemy positions destroying all before him and enabling those positions to be reoccupied.
From January 30th to February 3rd Captain Kennedy cleared up innumerable and enemy positions and OPs on the Brigade’s left flank doing invaluable work. He also produced all information from personal reconnaissance on which the divisional commander formed his plans in reference to the left flank. During the whole of these operations lasting some four days Captain Kennedy was seldom not under all types of fire including shelling, machine-gun and sniping. Under his most inspiring leadership his company did the most invaluable service to the whole Division. I strongly recommend Captain Kennedy for an immediate Military Cross in recognition of his tireless courage, fine leadership and inexhaustible resource.
During the close fighting between 20th and 26th February Captain Kennedy again more than distinguished himself by his personal gallantry and tireless determination to kill Germans. His magnificent leadership undoubtedly kept up the morale of his fast dwindling company and resulted in his battalion position being held against heavy odds. |
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| Recipient | 2718419 Serjeant Robert McConnell |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Medal |
| Date of Action | 03/04 February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/215 |
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| During the night 3rd/4th February 1944, when it became clear that the enemy infantry had infiltrated in the battalion positions and that a heavy attack was to be expected in the morning, Sergeant McConnell (Pioneer Platoon) was sent out to man a Bren LMG, some fifty yards from the Battalion HQ, alongside a damaged 88 mm gun. He remained steadfast in this exposed position throughout a night of constant shell and mortar fire.
When morning came he met the attacking German infantry with accurate fire and frustrated two attempts to overrun Battalion HQ. Heavy machine-gun, from the exposed flank, made the gully in which was Battalion HQ. uninhabitable and together with the rest of Battalion HQ, this Sergeant was ordered to withdraw to No. 4 Company position. On the way there, the party was surrounded, taken prisoner and marched back by the Germans. The officers in this party took the first opportunity to attack the German guards. Sergeant McConnell and Guardsman Montgomery seized the German's sub-machine guns and killed some guards and terrorised the others into surrender. Without the prompt and daring action of this Sergeant there is no doubt the whole party of prisoners would have been shot down. The liberation of the prisoners and the destruction or capture of the twenty German guards was entirely due the the determination and courage of a few men of whom Sergeant McConnell was an outstanding example. When the party then turned and began to fight its way back to our own lines, this Sergeant was always in the forefront, clearing and protecting the gullies regardless of the fire of machine guns and 88 mms sited just across the valley on the high ground previously occupied by another battalion.
I consider this Sergeant's gallantry and initiative merit the award of an immediate M.M.
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| Recipient | 31921 T/Lieutenant-Colonel Claud Andrew Montagu-Douglas-Scott |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Bar to Distinguished Service Order |
| Date of Action | Periodic |
| London Gazette | 21 December 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/9/1 |
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| Lieutenant-Colonel C.A. Montagu-Douglas-Scott commanded 1st Battalion Irish Guards throughout its employment in the Anzio beachhead. The battalion was in close contact with the enemy throughout the period 22nd January to 10th February 1944, and again 16th – 27th February, during which fighting it lost, killed, wounded and missing 32 Officers and 714 Other Ranks.
It was common knowledge that the fighting quality and high morale of the Irish Guards battalion was almost entirely due to its commanding officer. Lieutenant-Colonel Scott’s powers of leadership and cheerful determination to overcome all difficulties were at all times remarkable, whilst his personal bravery, indifference to danger and inexhaustible energy became bywords both in his battalion and throughout the Brigade.
In my opinion the utter confidence and personal devotion inspired by Lieutenant-Colonel Scott were responsible for the magnificent way in which the battalion fought, whenever called upon and in spite of heavy casualties. |
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| Recipient | 2718746 Guardsman William Walter Montgomery |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Distinguished Conduct Medal |
| Date of Action | 29/30 January 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/163 |
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| This Guardsman took part in the successful night attack by No. 1 Company on the night 29th/30th January on the left of the main axis Anzio-Albano Road. On reaching the objective, the ground was found to be covered by enemy tanks who attempted to prevent the Company digging in by putting up flares and firing machine guns on the digging parties. All through the night this Guardsman gave what covering fire he could to his comrades by firing at the enemy tanks with his Bren Gun. This covering fire could not be very effective, but it did force the enemy tanks to limit their visibility by shutting down their visors and exposed this Guardsman to the continued attention of the enemy.
When morning 30th January came and no supporting arms or British tanks appeared, the company position was untenable and the company was ordered to withdraw to another position on the flank. With great coolness and fine courage this Guardsman, accompanied by Guardsman Taylor, set up his Bren on the top of the railway cutting and gave covering fire to the remainder of the company as they withdrew across four hundred yards of open country. The top of the railway cutting was level, clearly silhouetting this Guardsman’s head and shoulders. Besides presenting a good target to the front, he was also liable to be shot in the back by enemy machine guns on the other side of the valley. Constant enemy fire did not disturb or deter him from his task. This Guardsman left the cutting in the last party with his company commander. Twice on the way back across the open stretch of open ground he halted to return the fire of enemy machine guns once engaging, whilst in a standing position, a concealed German machine-gun, one hundred and fifty yards away and effectively silenced it. The outstanding courage, skill and coolness of this Guardsman greatly facilitated the withdrawal of his company and there is no doubt that a great man of his comrades owe their lives to his complete disregard for his own safety.
In the action of the night 3rd/4th February this Guardsman was the first to engage and draw the enemy’s fire when the battalion right flank was exposed. He was eventually taken prisoner but fought his way out, shooting several of his guards and escaped on a carrier. An officer in the same party said his coolness and bravery were quite remarkable. He had several days of really hard fighting and constant shelling but despite the physical strain he must have felt, was full of energy resource and cheerfulness. Despite being wounded in the leg he was back in the battalion position that night (February 4th). No personal danger could prevent this Guardsman from doing more than his duty and he earned the greatest admiration from all who saw him.
I strongly recommend this Guardsman for the immediate award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
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| Recipient | 2718472 Serjeant Michael Moran |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Medal |
| Date of Action | 29/30 January 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/214 |
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| On the night 29th/30th January, No. 3 Company attacked on the left of the Brigade Sector. CSM Moran was in charge of the company transport and acting second-in-command to Lieutenant Smith of the US Army, who as Platoon Commander of a tank destroyer platoon was in command of the whole column. The road up which this column was to advance had not been cleared of enemy. After advancing about one and a half miles the column came under heavy machine-gun fire from a house some hundred yards away and from enemy positions on the left flank. CSM Moran quickly organised a small party and led an assault on the house and killed the German gunners, thus freeing the column from its most immediate danger. On returning from this task he found that Lieutenant Smith, US Army, had been severely wounded, and that one carrier had been set on fire by mortar bombs which were now falling thickly on the road. CSM Moran instantly assumed command of the whole column ordering the tank destroyers to provide flank protection, he organised the turn round of the column with the greatest coolness, under heavy fire, and took it back to a covered position.
During all this period whether attacking or organising, he showed complete disregard for his own safety. He then went forward to contact his company commander and reconnoitre a route up to his company positions. In the subsequent heavy fighting on that flank this Warrant Officer showed outstanding courage and leadership and personally led several attacks on machine-gun posts with 100% success.
During the whole of the fighting his courage and initiative has been remarked on by all and he has certainly played a large share in securing the amount of Germans his company killed. This NCO has fought in Palestine, Norway, Tunisia and now the Italian campaigns, and has on all occasions set the highest example of personal courage and devotion to duty.
I strongly recommend he should be awarded the MM |
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| Recipient | 2718497 Guardsman Morris Moriarty |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Distinguished Conduct Medal |
| Date of Action | 29/30 January 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/161 |
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| This Lance-Corporal was a stretcher bearer to No. 2 Company. During the night attack 29th/30th January 1944, the company suffered heavy casualties when it came up against a belt of defensive fire, laid by eight enemy machine guns in the narrow strip between the Anzio-Albano road and the railway line running parallel to it. Corporal Moriarty worked tirelessly and unsparingly all night, dragging wounded men from under machine-gun fire with complete disregard for his own safety.
During the preliminary artillery concentration and subsequent enemy night attack on night 3rd/4th February, this Corporal again showed himself completely fearless in attending to the wounded and taking them to positions of comparative safety. After the attempt to form a strong point round the road, cutting and railway bridge had been abandoned, Corporal Moriarty remained behind by the road, tending to the wounded, ignoring the shells and bullets which were now falling and flying directly up the road from enemy positions on the high ground on the other side of the Anzio-Albano road.
Single-handed, under heavy fire, this Corporal collected up to a dozen wounded men and put them between the bank and some carriers. The position was overrun by the enemy who ordered this Corporal to march off to the rear as a Prisoner of War. This, Corporal Moriarty refused to do, although threatened with a revolver, and had not a German soldier fortunately been wounded at this moment, he would probably have been shot. He remained with the wounded all the rest of that day and night and the following day, refusing to leave our wounded, although the whole position was subjected to heavy and accurate shelling by our 25-pounders and medium guns.
The following night, with remarkable resource and initiative, he seized the opportunity to load the wounded on to two carriers, and together with another man, drove them away suddenly in a successful dash for the Scots Guards lines. The tireless devotion of this Corporal to wounded comrades and his complete disregard of his own personal safety or the consequences to himself of his courageous actions are an exceptional example of gallantry, self-sacrifice and resource.
I strongly recommend Corporal Moriarty for the immediate award of the DCM. |
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| Recipient | 2722392 Corporal Robert Henry Murphy |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Medal |
| Date of Action | 21 - 23 February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/216 |
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| This NCO was Platoon Sergeant of No. 15 Platoon, No. 3 Company, which on the night 21st/22nd February took over positions from an American company. On the way up the company suffered considerable casualties from aerial anti-personnel bombs. The collection of the wounded attracted the attention of enemy machine-gun posts, who opened fire on the platoon. While the Platoon Commander rallied and led forward the platoon, Lance Sergeant Murphy engaged the enemy posts with an LMG and saw all his platoon over the open ground before himself following on.
The next morning, 22nd February, the Platoon Commander, Lieutenant M. Earls-Davies, was severely concussed and unconscious for many hours. Lance-Sergeant Murphy took over command of the platoon, and throughout the rest of that day and the following night displayed the highest qualities of leadership and tactical skill and set a constant example of personal gallantry. His aggressive tactics against the enemy, who had infiltrated, gave them no chance to establish themselves in positions which would have threatened the whole battalion. For twenty-four hours he was ceaselessly active, organising and leading assaults against enemy snipers and machine-gun posts, and by the evening of the 22nd had cleared the area of the enemy who had infiltrated the previous night.
On the night of 22nd/23rd the enemy, as usual, made further efforts to infiltrate, and in spite of heavy casualties suffered when his patrols clashed with ours, succeeded in establishing two machine-gun posts behind our forward positions. At first light both of these posts were promptly and completely destroyed by Lance Sergeant Murphy. Having organised the covering fire, he led forward a small assault party. He himself crept forward and grenaded the post till the Germans tried to escape, when they were killed by the remainder of the assault party. During the attack on the second post, he was wounded, but continued to throw his grenades and so forced the Germans to leave their pits and expose themselves. He then brought his party back and handed over the platoon position to an officer who had come up to take command before allowing himself to be evacuated.
I strongly recommend this NCO for the immediate award of the Military Medal.
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| Recipient | 2718785 Guardsman Maurice Terrence O'Brien |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Medal |
| Date of Action | 29/30 January 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/219 |
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| On the night attack of the 29/30th, Lance Corporal O'Brien was NCO in command of the 2-inch Mortar of the left-hand forward platoon of No. 2 Company. The company came up against strenuous enemy resistance, which included 8 Machine Gun posts between the main Anzio - Albano Road and the railway which was the company's axis of advance. The platoon suffered heavy casualties from these machine guns and from enemy mortar fire. The platoon was in danger of being pinned by the machine-gun and destroyed by mortars, when Corporal O’Brien advanced towards the nearest stream of tracer and brought his mortar into action, totally ignoring his own great personal danger. He effectively silenced the left-hand machine-gun post, thus enabling the remainder of his platoon to get round the flank. This most courageous and inspiring example and the quick rallying of his platoon through the gap he had made, undoubtedly played a major part in enabling his company to reach its objective and saved a great many lives.
The following day, 30th January, when owing to the presence of enemy tanks in the company position, the company was ordered to withdraw to another position, Corporal O’Brien assumed command of a party of men whom he had found had been cut off, and by his initiative, gallantry, and example fought his way back with this party. The party was under heavy machine-gun fire from both flanks and all the way Lance Corporal O'Brien provided, with a Bren Gun, the covering fire for the bounds by which the party made its way back, himself running the gauntlet each time to catch up with them and cover them over the next stretch of open country.
For his continued gallantry and leadership in action I strongly recommend this NCO be awarded the Military Medal. |
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| Recipient | 106849 WS/Captain Desmond Francis O'Neill |
| Regiment | Royal Army Medical Corps |
| Award | Military Cross |
| Date of Action | Periodic |
| London Gazette | 21 December 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/9/65 |
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| Captain O’Neill has been the Medical Officer to this battalion for over four years now. He has fought in Norway, Tunisia and Italy. In the first two campaigns he was wounded during the course of his duties. During the recent fighting this Medical Officer has shown the most magnificent personal gallantry, and completely unselfish devotion to duty. He has been almost permanently under heavy fire and has performed all his various medical duties with a complete disregard for his own safety. He has gone out personally to get wounded men in on many occasions under the most dangerous conditions. He never wavered in his attention to the wounded despite the fact that the enemy were practically at the door of his Regimental Aid Post. During the whole of this time Captain O’Neill showed the greatest skill and devotion to duty and the battalion owes him a deep debt of gratitude for the many lives he saved. I strongly recommend that he is awarded the Military Cross. |
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| Recipient | 2718210 Guardsman James Ryan |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Medal |
| Date of Action | 21 - 25 February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/221 |
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| During the period 21st/25th February this Guardsman was driver of a jeep attached to rear Battalion HQ. Owing to the difficulty of communications, the number of casualties and the difficulty of getting ambulances forward, this Guardsman was used to take messages from Rear to Forward Battalion HQ, and more frequently as an improvised ambulance. These tasks involved driving by day and by night, up roads continually shelled and swept by small arms fire. Never once did he fail to get through or show the slightest hesitation to undertake the most hazardous journey.
On the morning of February 22nd, the forward company, No. 3, reported numerous casualties from enemy machine-guns and tanks. Guardsman Ryan volunteered to the Medical Officer to go forward to this forward position to collect the wounded. He drove up to a farmhouse completely over-looked, and at times occupied by the enemy, parked his jeep, and went forward on foot to find and carry back wounded men. He then ran a one man ferry service back to the RAP which involved at least six journeys under close enemy fire and then another ferry service from the RAP to the ADS as no ambulances were available.
For three days Guardsman Ryan devoted himself to this duty with an endurance, courage and unhesitating acceptance of danger that astonished and won the admiration of all who saw him. It was not until towards the end that a Red Cross flag could be obtained for him to fly on the jeep. His continual reappearance surprised everybody for as he set out on each journey nobody expected to see him again. He was the greatest possible assistance to the Medical Officer and there is no doubt that at least twelve wounded men owe their lives to his outstanding gallantry and subordination of his own safety to the welfare of his comrades. I consider that this Guardsman's conduct during these 4 days deserves a strong recommendation for the immediate award of the Military Medal. |
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| Recipient | 3312196 Guardsman Harry Taylor |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Medal |
| Date of Action | 29/30 January 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/222 |
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| This Guardsman took a prominent part in the successful advance of No. 1 Company on the night 29 /30th January 1944.
On reaching the company objective, it was found that one of the houses on the road was occupied by a party of enemy. Guardsman Taylor successfully cleared this house with his Bren Gun killing all the occupants. During the night he helped Guardsman Montgomery to distract the enemy tanks on the position with Bren Gun fire will the rest of the Company dug in as best they could.
The following morning when a withdrawal was ordered to the other positions, Taylor stayed with Guardsman Montgomery and his company commander to cover the rest of the company across the four hundred yards of open ground. Whilst engaging the enemy machine-gun from the top of the railway embankment he presented a clear target to the enemy who were both in front and rear but continued to fire his Bren Gun with great skill and accuracy regardless of the hot enemy fire directed at him.
Both the company commanders of No. 1 and No. 2 Company are emphatic that without the courage, skill and devotion to duty of this Guardsman the two companies would have suffered far heavier casualties than they did while crossing the open ground in the face of the enemy machine-gun posts which were engaged by or turned their attention to this Guardsman. Guardsman Taylor was then wounded in the leg but continued to fire his gun and eventually, when all the rest of the Company had withdrawn, made his own way back covered by Guardsman Montgomery.
I strongly recommend this Guardsman for the Immediate award of the MM. |
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| Recipient | 2718341 Lance Serjeant Clarence Weir |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Military Medal |
| Date of Action | 03/04 February 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/217 |
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| On the night 3rd/4th February, the battalion positions were subjected to heavy shelling under cover of which the enemy infiltrated and established machine-gun posts in the middle of the position. When morning, 4th February, came No. 4 Company was found to be completely surrounded and cut off from Battalion HQ, which itself was isolated. No. 4 Company was ordered to attack forward to clean the area between it and Battalion HQ. During the advance Lance Sergeant Weir saw a large number of German Infantry in a gully and promptly led his section in a charge against them. They were met with heavy LMG fire and Sergeant Weir was shot through the shoulder. Despite this he continued to direct and lead his section as if nothing had happened, closed with the enemy and with his men killed those who delayed their surrender. While lying on the ground waiting for a stretcher he directed his section to an assault on another enemy post and when he was finally carried away he section continued to kill or capture many of the enemy. This Lance Sergeant's leadership, dash and personal courage inspired his section and set an example which ensured the success of his action.
I strongly recommend Lance-Sergeant Weir for the immediate award of the M.M.
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| Recipient | 67098 T/Major Laurence Savil Young |
| Regiment | Irish Guards |
| Award | Distinguished Service Order |
| Date of Action | 26 January 1944 - 30 January 1944 |
| London Gazette | 15 June 1944 |
| TNA File | WO 373/6/72 |
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| As Officer Commanding Support Company Major Young has been unceasingly occupied in the vital task of co-ordinating and siting all supporting arms for the Battalion in the recent actions. From the first enemy counterattack at Carroceto on January 26th to the latest engagement on February 4th this officer has probably been exposed to more personal danger than any other man in the battalion, but he contented about his duties with an aloof calmness that had an immense steadying and encouraging effect on all who saw him and all those under his command.
On the morning of 26th when the Germans counterattack was at its height and four anti-tank guns had been knocked out, he closed the gap in the anti-tank defences by choosing new positions for the remaining available guns and getting them into position, being all the time under heavy shell fire.
On the night attack of 29th/30th he accompanied the rifle companies on foot so as to be able to reconnoitre positions for the supporting arms. In the early hours of the morning when the two roads were still controlled by the enemy and there were large numbers of them behind our troops, he set off across country under heavy mortar and small arms fire to find a route to bring up the anti-tank guns, mortars and MMGs. He was forced to crawl some five hundred yards under machine-gun fire and himself eliminated some snipers before he could get back to the battalion's original positions. He succeeded in bringing up 3-inch mortars and anti-tank guns to No. 4 Companys positions turning them into the only firm base we could get. He also organised the American tank busters and sent them off with Captain Kennedy at last light.
This officer with his great experience and complete trustworthiness has been of the greatest help in the battalion during the last two campaigns and has the admiration of all ranks for his complete disregard of personal safety and high sense of duty.
I strongly recommend Major Young for the immediate award of the MC.*
*Original recommendation was for the Military Cross it was upgraded to the Distinguished Service Order by Gneral Penney GOC of 1st Infantry Division. |
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