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2nd Battalion Scots Guards – Award Citations for the Italian Campaign

Recipient2700715 Lance Serjeant Robert Balcombe
Regiment
AwardMilitary Medal
Date of ActionPeriodic
London Gazette 21 December 1944
TNA FileWO 373/9/156

This Serjeant whilst on patrol in front of Trimonsuoli displayed great courage and leadership, in that when the patrol were challenged by the enemy, he immediately grasped the situation and after waiting for a few minutes, attacked the enemy. He entered a house, rushed in and shot two men dead with his tommy gun. Still keeping his men under control, although there was no light in the house, they went upstairs and proceeded to kill another two. He then withdrew his men from the house and they were heavily fired on. Serjeant Balcombe withdrew his men and returned to our lines. Much valuable information concerning enemy movement was brought back, especially about the laying of mines and also about the pin-pointing of enemy automatic weapons. His conduct under extremely difficult conditions was exemplary, and his initiative and courage were magnificent.


Recipient72673 T/Captain Anthony Melville Balfour
Regiment
AwardMilitary Cross
Date of Action23 October 1943
London Gazette24 February 1944
TNA FileWO 373/4/428

At the battle of Rocchetta on the October 23rd, Captain Balfour's company was ordered to take Point 520 after an initial attack had failed. After artillery preparation, Captain Balfour led his company into the attack. The enemy opened up with about eight Spandaus and Captain Balfour at once led a bayonet charge on the enemy positions which caused the enemy to break and flee. Several were killed and four Spandaus were captured. Captain Balfour personally accounted for at least one German soldier. The position was consolidated by dusk. This officer showed great dash and initiative in leading his company who were already tired, in this initial attack.


Recipient2696194 Guardsman Walter Lees Chadwick
Regiment
AwardDistinguished Conduct Medal
Date of Action11 September 1943
London Gazette26 February 1944
TNA FileWO 373/4/445

In the night attack on the Tobacco Factory area Battipaglia on September 11th this Guardsman showed outstanding bravery and dash. He personally accounted for several German machine-gunners with his own bayonet. On one occasion a Spandau opened up at him at short range, one bullet grazed his lip, one went through his steel helmet and three more through his haversack - he at once charged the post and killed the occupants. He was last seen in company with a Serjeant and another Guardsman attacking a more distant Spandau post and was later reported missing. On 2nd November he walked into our lines in civilian clothes.


Recipient100833 W/Captain Richard Lovel Coke
Regiment
AwardMilitary Cross
Date of Action09 November 1943
London Gazette 23 March 1944
TNA FileWO 373/5/207

Monte Camino - Point 819. November 9/10th 1943. This officer was 2 i/c of F Company Scots Guards sent to the assistance of Nos. 2 and 3 Companies Grenadier Guards. The position was overlooked by the enemy and continually sniped and shelled. After the initial night attack this force became isolated and was compelled to fight its own battle. The Company Commander was killed and this officer took command and displayed great gallantry, continually encouraging and leading his men over the most precipitous terrain. On November 10th, these companies having suffered 70% casualties, it became necessary to regroup the force to hold a strong point. This officer was entirely fearless and showed personal leadership in consolidating a fresh position whilst under constant MG fire. It was largely due to his courage and example that the position was held. Captain Coke was in command of this company for three days during which they were isolated and under heavy Spandau fire and mortar fire from three sides. When his company was eventually relieved, he accounted for every single man to his Commanding Officer.


Recipient2695734 Guardsman George Henderson Connor
Regiment
AwardMilitary Medal
Date of Action10 November 1943
London Gazette 23 March 1944
TNA FileWO 373/5/272

During the battle of Monte Camino on 10th November Guardsman Connor and Guardsman Spraggon were leading scouts of the company going up the mule track. They themselves surprised and overran one Spandau post and immediately went for the next one which opened up. Guardsman Spraggon was hit and severely wounded, and Guardsman Connor went to his assistance under heavy fire. When the rest of the platoon came up Guardsman Connor took the lead and himself captured the occupants of the second Spandau post at the head of his section. Throughout the action the example shown by this man was an inspiration to the whole company. And the dash and energy he showed in this steep and rocky country was an important factor in the success of the whole operation.


Recipient240639 T/Captain Ralph Seaver Dollard
Regiment
AwardMilitary Cross
Date of Action10 September 1943
London Gazette25 February 1944
TNA FileWO 373/4/429

This officer commanded his platoon taking part in an attack on the enemy in the Tobacco Factory area near Battipaglia on 10th September. Advancing under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire, and subjected to heavy small arms fire from the front and flanks, he succeeded through a succession of charges and skilful outflanking movements in driving the enemy first from an orchard, then from some haystacks, and finally from a house on a hill at the edge of the Tobacco factory area, finally consolidating beyond the railway line. He led each advance personally and showed great dash and courage. In advancing to take the line the platoon had to cross ground covered by enemy MG fire, an 88mm gun and 20mm gun, both of which were forced to withdraw. This gallant action for which Lieutenant Dollard was very largely responsible by his leadership, and in the course of which one German officer and several other ranks were killed, resulted in the capture of a position of great tactical importance in the subsequent fighting in which this officer was badly wounded.


Recipient2697310 Guardsman Robert Stevenson Dougall
Regiment
AwardMilitary Medal
Date of Action04 February 1944
London Gazette 29 June 1944
TNA FileWO 373/6/402

On the night of 4/5th February 1944 Guardsman Dougall was sent out as a Bren gunner, with a small fighting patrol. On the way to its objective this patrol intercepted a German mine laying party, which was protected by a covering force of some twenty men. This patrol bypassed the German sentries and Guardsman Dougall crawled forward towards the enemy working party which he engaged with his Bren. The whole patrol immediately came under heavy Spandau fire from both flanks. Guardsman Dougall continued to advance firing his Bren and caused casualties and great confusion to the enemy working party who withdrew hastily leaving tools and equipment behind them. By this time Guardsman Dougall was far out in front of the remainder of the patrol and was heard firing for another 15 minutes when it has since come to light he was taken prisoner. When the patrol received orders to withdraw a heavy mortar concentration was brought down on the enemy locality. This fire caused further enemy casualties and during the resultant confusion that ensued Guardsman Dougall escaped back to our lines. He showed the greatest coolness, initiative and courage throughout the night.


Recipient247094 WS/Lieutenant Walter Archibald Elliott
Regiment
AwardMilitary Cross
Date of Action11 September 1943
London Gazette27 January 1944
TNA FileWO 373/4/242

During the night attack on the Tobacco Factory near Battipaglia on 11th September, Lieutenant Elliott led his platoon with the greatest bravery and dash. He charged and overran with his first section at least four enemy Spandau posts. He personally accounted for four enemy soldiers with his own revolver and the section under his guidance captured fourteen prisoners as well. Lieutenant Elliott was later surrounded with most of his platoon and forced to surrender when enemy AFVs over-ran his position. He shortly after escaped returning to our lines with useful and important information.


Recipient247095 Lieutenant Alastair Robert Harvey Erskine
Regiment
AwardMilitary Cross
Date of ActionPeriodic
London Gazette 21 December 1944
TNA FileWO 373/9/45

During the Trimonsuoli period (about 25th January) Lieutenant Erskine took out an ambush patrol. Halfway to their objective the patrol was surprised by a German standing patrol, in the neighbourhood of a house, being fired on by LMG fire from several points simultaneously. Lieutenant Erskine immediately split his patrol into two parts, and under cover of fire from one of these led the other to attack the house. With great dash and total disregard to personal safety he and his party entered the house, killing one German and wounding another with a TSMG, and forcing the other Germans to leave the house. One of these was probably killed by a Bren gun covering the back entrance. By this time a general German alarm had been given, the patrol was subjected to more intense LMG fire from all sides. Lieutenant Erskine then collected the patrol which had got split up and withdrew them without loss. The patrol had gained valuable information regarding enemy dispositions in addition to causing three enemy casualties. Lieutenant Erskine has been continuously in action with his platoon since the Salerno landing and has also commanded the company for 48 hours during the first battle of Camino. Throughout this period he has shown exceptional devotion to duty during many extremely dangerous and trying situations, displaying outstanding courage, cheerfulness and ability and being a constant inspiration to his platoon by his clear-headed leadership.


Recipient207675 WS/Lieutenant David James Fyfe-Jamieson
Regiment
AwardMilitary Cross
Date of Action10 September 1943
London Gazette28 January 1944
TNA FileWO 373/4/243

During attack on 10th September on the Tobacco Factory near Battipaglia, Lieutenant Fyfe-Jamieson showed exceptional dash and judgement and complete disregard of personal danger. He led his platoon with great skill and cleared several buildings of the enemy, knocking out at least three enemy MG posts. When his position became untenable he extricated his platoon with great skill using smoke and personally covering the withdrawal with his Platoon Serjeant. his leadership throughout was of the highest order and an inspiration to his men.


Recipient2695416 Guardsman James Hutchison
Regiment
AwardMilitary Medal
Date of Action11 September 1943
London Gazette30 January 1944
TNA FileWO 373/4/295

During the night attack 11/12th September on the Tobacco Factory area near Battipaglia Guardsman Hutchison showed exceptional dash and courage. On crossing the railway his platoon came under exceptionally heavy German machine gun fire. The first position was over-run by the leading section, the next two by Guardsman Hutchison and another Guardsman. They killed six of the enemy on the way and fourteen more promptly surrendered. There is no doubt that the initiative and complete disregard of danger shown by Guardsman Hutchison saved a great many casualties. He was soon after wounded in the head, but his one thought was to get back amongst the enemy and finish the job.


Recipient2694174 Serjeant Walter Lumsden
Regiment
AwardDistinguished Conduct Medal
Date of Action10 September 1943
London Gazette29 January 1944
TNA FileWO 373/4/269

During the day attack on the Tobacco Factory near Battipaglia on 10th September Serjeant Lumdsen showed great coolness, gallantry and initiative under heavy enemy fire. At one time he drove off some German grenade throwers with 36 grenades although outranged by stick grenades. Shortly after he personally with a Bren knocked out a Spandau post which was inflicting casualties on the platoon, bringing his gun into action under heavy fire. He then saved the life of a tank gunner at great risk to his own by attracting his attention to the correct way of escape, again exposing himself to enemy fire. Finally, when the position became untenable, he and his platoon commander had to cross a six-foot spiked gate under the fire of about six Spandaus; his platoon commander became suspended from the spikes from his trousers and was unable to cut himself loose. Serjeant Lumsden calmly produced a knife, cut his platoon commander's off him, and both got safely away still under heavy fire. Throughout the battle this Serjeant's courage and daring were an inspiring example to his platoon.


Recipient2694174 P/A/Warrant Officer Class 2 Walter Lumsden
Regiment
AwardBar to Military Cross
Date of Action10 December 1943
London Gazette23 March 1944
TNA FileWO 373/5/242

On December 10th F Company was ordered to capture the village of St. Nicoli. At the same time a company of the Lincolns was advancing astride the road on the right flank - this company was engaged and held up by two MG posts. CSM Lumsden realizing the position immediately advanced over open ground which was under fire. He engaged one post after the other and silenced both with a Bren gun and so allowed the company to advance. When his own company came under fire from eight Spandau posts, he climbed on to a house top and engaged them with fire from his Bren. He was soon shot at by two enemy snipers and forced to abandon his position. He moved to a nearby haystack and continued to engage the enemy Spandaus, silencing at least one and forcing two others to move their position which allowed the company to seize its objective. This CSM showed great initiative and acted instantaneously as each situation developed. He acted entirely on his own and showed the greatest gallantry.


Recipient2700486 P/Lance Corporal John McIlhargey
Regiment
AwardMilitary Medal
Date of ActionPeriodic
London Gazette 24 August 1944
TNA FileWO 373/7/362

During the African campaign from Mareth onwards this NCO has particularly distinguished himself by his bravery. The difficulty has always been to prevent him taking an undue share in any patrolling or other dangerous work. In a night attack north of Enfidaville on 25th April 1943 he and two others alone reached their objective in the face of intense fire and it was largely due to him that the position and thirty prisoners were captured. He came to Italy shortly after the landing at Salerno, having refused sick leave. Almost immediately after his arrival, he volunteered to join a section detailed to crawl forward in order to give covering fire to a platoon which was heavily pinned by enemy MG fire. He kept firing his Bren gun accurately in spite of having drawn heavy enemy fire on himself, and his action materially contributed to the final successful assault. During the attack on Rochetta he left his slit trench under heavy fire to help a wounded comrade. His foot was blown off, but during his long and painful evacuation over a mountain range he preserved an attitude of astounding cheerfulness to the admiration and inspiration of all who saw him. His courage and cheerfulness, and his skill in handling his Bren gun from which he never parted, have been of the greatest value to his comrades.


Recipient2700544 Guardsman Ronald Perks
Regiment
AwardMilitary Medal
Date of Action23 January 1944
London Gazette 20 July 1944
TNA FileWO 373/6/565

On 23rd January 1944 Guardsman Perks was a signaller attached to the Right Flank, 2nd Battalion Scots Guards. The company was then holding the area of Point 141 west of Minturno. Throughout the day the company area was heavily shelled by the enemy. In course of the morning the Lance Corporal in charge of the company signallers was wounded and Guardsman Perks took command of the detachment. Throughout the rest of the day Guardsman Perks worked continuously on the maintenance of the line communication to the company, usually under shellfire. In the evening the line was cut by a particularly heavy enemy concentration. Though enemy shelling was continuing, Guardsman Perks, on his own initiative left the comparative safety of the company headquarters and proceeded to mend the line. While so engaged a further heavy concentration fell on and around the place where he was working, which was devoid of cover. Guardsman Perks not only mended the line in the midst of the heavy shelling, but further remained in the danger area till the shelling ceased in order to check the line was intact. His devotion to duty and cheerful bearing on this and subsequent days in the line near Minturno were an inspiration to the signals detachment in particular and the whole company in general.


Recipient2696495 Guardsman Herbert Joseph Spraggon
Regiment
AwardMilitary Medal
Date of Action10 November 1943
London Gazette 23 March 1944
TNA FileWO 373/5/273

During the battle of Monte Camino on 10th November Guardsman Connor and Guardsman Spraggon were leading scouts of the company going up the mule track. They themselves surprised and overran one Spandau post and immediately went for the next one which opened up. Guardsman Spraggon was hit and severely wounded, and Guardsman Connor went to his assistance under heavy fire. When the rest of the platoon came up Guardsman Connor took the lead and himself captured the occupants of the second Spandau post at the head of his section. Throughout the action the example shown by this man was an inspiration to the whole company. And the dash and energy he showed in this steep and rocky country was an important factor in the success of the whole operation.