251985 Lieutenant Robert Alexander Kennedy RUNCIE, MC, 3 Scots Guards

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by dbf, Aug 19, 2011.

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  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Personal No: P/251985
    Rank: Lieutenant
    Name: Robert Alexander Kennedy. RUNCIE, MC
    Regiment: 3 Scots Guards


    London Gazette : 22 December 1942
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35830/supplement/5552/data.pdf
    FOOT GUARDS.
    The undermentioned Cadets to be 2nd Lts.: —
    21st Nov. 1942 : —
    S.G'ds
    Robert Alexander Kennedy RUNCIE (251985).

    London Gazette : 7 June 1945
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37112/supplement/2878/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe: —
    The Military Cross.
    Lieutenant Robert Alexander Kennedy RUNCIE (251985), Scots Guards (Nottingham).
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2024
    dbf, Aug 19, 2011
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  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Recommendation for Award for Runcie, Robert Alexander Kennedy Rank: Lieutenant ... | The National Archives
    Reference: WO 373/54/583
    Name Runcie, Robert Alexander Kennedy
    Rank: Lieutenant
    Service No: P/251985
    Regiment: Scots Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: North West Europe 1944-45
    Award: Military Cross
    Date of announcement in London Gazette: 07 June 1945

    6th Guards Armoured Brigade, 30 Corps
    P/251985 War Substantive Lieutenant Robert Alexander Kennedy RUNCIE, 3rd Tank Battalion SCOTS GUARDS

    During the attack on WINNEKENDONK (9934) on 2nd March 1945 Lieutenant RUNCIE's troop was in support of the leading wave of tanks when they came under heavy and close fire of concealed 88mm and S.P.s from the front and both flanks, all three tanks being hit.

    Though his own tank had been brewed up the previous day Lieutenant RUNCIE unhesitatingly took his troop out into the open which was the only place from which he could see the enemy weapons and engaged them so effectively that he knocked out two 75 mm S.P.s and one 88 mm, also causing the enemy to abandon a nest of 50 mm. During this time not only was he being shot at by AP from a range of not more than 500 yards, but also was being subjected to very heavy shell and mortar fire. A short time later whilst being fired upon he personally successfully directed the fire of our artillery onto an area from which fire was holding up the advance.

    There is no doubt that Lieutenant RUNCIE's courageous leadership and the magnificent marksmanship of his troop dealt so effectively with this strong enemy Anti-Tank screen that the tanks and infantry were able to get on into the town

    5th March 1945
    Granted an Immediate Military Cross

    Screen Shot 2015-07-07 at 15.40.10.png Screen Shot 2015-07-07 at 15.40.17.png
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2024
    dbf, Aug 19, 2011
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  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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    Last edited: Apr 18, 2024
    dbf, Aug 19, 2011
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  4. smdarby

    smdarby Well-Known Member

    Visited some sites in the south of The Netherlands last weekend. In Moergestel near Tilburg there is a statue of Maj. Gen. Colin M. Barber, commander of 15th (Scottish) Div, who liberated the town. Interestingly, at the foot of the statue is a stone memorial to Lt. Robert Runcie, stating he was a tank commander with the Scots Guards and one of the liberators of Moergestel. It also says he was awarded the MC for valour during the war and of course that he later became Archbishop of Canterbury. I must admit that I had no knowledge of his service in WWII until I saw this.
     

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    smdarby, Jul 7, 2015
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  5. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Last edited: Oct 31, 2019
    dbf, Jul 7, 2015
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  6. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    6TH GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION ; INVESTITURE
    Creator: No. 5 Army Film and Photo Section, Army Film and Photographic Unit (Photographer), Seregant Morris (Undefined)
    Production date: 1945-06-12
    Catalogue number: BU 7831

    "Original wartime caption: Lieutenant R.A.K.Runcie, 3rd Tk.Scots Guards receives the M.C. from the C-in-C."

    Screenshot 2019-10-31 at 11.53.31.png Screenshot 2019-10-31 at 11.53.44.png
     
    dbf, Oct 31, 2019
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  7. Chas710

    Chas710 New Member

    Attached is a photo of Runcie's tank, with signatures of all crew members. I have also attached a photo of Thomson receiving the Military Medal at the same division investiture.
     

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    Chas710, Feb 7, 2024
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