2612551 Thomas ANNIS, MM, 5 Grenadier Guards

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    Annis, Thomas
    Rank: Serjeant
    Service No: 2612551
    Regiment: 5 Battalion Grenadier Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
    Award: Military Medal
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 08 March 1945
    Date 1945
    Catalogue reference WO 373/10

    24th Guards Brigade, 6th SA Armoured Division, 13 Corps
    2612551 War Substantive Serjeant Thomas ANNIS, 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS


    Serjeant ANNIS was commanding a Platoon in one of the leading Companies when the Battalion was attacked MOUNT CATARELTO just North of CASTIGLIONE on 2nd October.

    From the Start Line to the Company's objective was a thousand yards of extremely step - at places precipitous - hillside covered in dense wood, up which they had to climb.

    As the barrage lifted, enemy spandau posts opened up and pinned down the left hand Platoon and Company H.Q. The remaining two Platoons, one of which was Serjeant ANNIS', managed to climb the steepest part of the hill to their objective in spite of increasing spandau fire from the left flank which caused casualties.

    On arriving at the top of the hill which was the Company objective, these two Platoons came under spandau fire from both flanks at a range of not more than 200 yards. The Company Commander was badly wounded and the Officer commanding the other Platoon was killed.

    Serjeant ANNIS at once took command of both platoons and displaying quite outstanding personal gallantry, energy, and skill, he organised their consolidation. This he carried out under continuous small arms fire, in appalling conditions of weather and on the very edge of a hill up which it was only possible to climb by pulling oneself up with the help of the trees.

    He managed to get both platoons dug in in positions from which they could engage the enemy with their brines.

    It was only this Serjeant's splendid example of devotion to duty and determined leader ship which he has frequently displayed during his (?)18 months as Platoon Serjeant which enabled these Platoons to maintain their isolated and precarious position until joined by the remainder of the Company two hours later.

    Signed Lieutenant-Colonel G.C. GORDON-LENNOX, D.S.O, Commanding 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS
     
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2019

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