73091 George Peter Maurice FITZGERALD, MC, 1 Irish Guards

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  1. dbf

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    The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details
    Name Fitzgerald, George Peter Maurice
    Rank: Captain
    Service No: P/7309
    Regiment: 1 Battalion Irish Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
    Award: Military Cross
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 15 June 1944
    Date 1944
    Catalogue reference WO 373/6

    24th Guards Brigade, 1st British Division, 6th U.S. Corps
    P/7309 War Substantive Captain, Temporary Major George Peter Maurice FITZGERALD, 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS

    In the ANZIO Beach head

    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 29th / January 30th, 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 February 21st / February 22nd this Officer was taking over the line from the II/6 American Armoured Battalion. On the way in, heavy shelling caused several casualties to Major FITZGERALD's Company. He personally arranged their removal under hay fire while the Company moved on under its Second-in-Command and having dealt with all casualties, re-joined his Company in time to carry out the take over 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 of 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 with the fight February 21st - February 24th, deserves the immediate award of the M.C.

    Signed C.A. Montagu-Douglas-Scott, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS

    Granted an Immediate M.C.

    Screen shot 2011-08-21 at 21.51.54.png Screen shot 2011-08-21 at 21.52.05.png
     
  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Army Number:
    Rank: Second Lieutenant
    Name: G P M FITZGERALD
    Unit: 1 Irish Guards
    GSM & Clasp: GSM, Palestine Clasp 1936 - 1939
    TNA Reference: WO 100/503
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2019
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    Last edited: Nov 4, 2019
  4. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Personal Number: 73091
    Rank:
    Name: George Peter Maurice FITZGERALD
    Unit: Irish Guards

    London Gazette : 27 August 1937
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34430/page/5443/data.pdf
    The undermentioned Gentlemen Cadets, from, the Royal Military College, to be 2nd Lts. 26th Aug.. 1937: —
    FOOT GUARDS.
    I. G'ds.—George Peter Maurice FITZGERALD.

    London Gazette : 27 August 1940
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34931/supplement/5204/data.pdf
    FOOT GUARDS.
    The undermentioned 2nd Lts. to be Lts.:—
    I. G'ds.
    G. P. M. FitzGerald (73091).

    London Gazette : 26 November 1940
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35001/page/6752/data.pdf
    Tempy. Paymr. Sub-Lieuts. to be Tempy. Paymr. Lieuts. with seny. as stated:—
    G. P. M. Fitzgerald. 28th Sept. 1940.

    London Gazette : 15 June 1944
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36563/supplement/2852/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy —
    The Military Cross.
    Captain (temporary Major) George Peter Maurice Fitzgerald 1(73091), Irish Guards (Eversley, Hampshire).

    London Gazette : 10 September 1948
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38399/page/4898/data.pdf
    FOOT GUARDS
    I G'ds.
    Capt G P M FITZGERALD, M C (73091), retires receiving a gratuity, 11th Sept 1948, and is granted the hon rank of Ma].

    London Gazette : 28 February 1967
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/44258/supplement/2326/data.pdf
    I. G.
    REGULAR ARMY RESERVE OF OFFICERS
    Capt. (Hon. Maj.) G. P. M. FITZGERALD, M.C. (73091) having attained the age limit ceases to belong to the Res. of Offrs., 27th Feb. 1967.
     
    Last edited: Oct 16, 2019
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    travers1940 Well-Known Member

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