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.
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
Personal Number: Rank: War Substantive Captain, Temporary Major Name: G P M FITZGERALD Unit: 1 Irish Guards Theatre: Italy Missing Personnel file: 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS - Italy, Missing Personnel file TNA Reference: WO 361/784
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.
Educated at Harrow & Sandhurst. In 1967 after his fathers death, he inherited the families titles & became Sir George Peter Maurice Fitzgerald 6th Baronet of Valentia, and 23rd Knight of Kerry. Died in 2001. Sir George FitzGerald, 23rd Knight of Kerry - Wikipedia