2620653 William HEATH, MM, 5 Grenadier Guards

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    Heath, William
    Rank: Guardsman
    Service No: 2620653
    Regiment: 5 Battalion Grenadier Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
    Award: Military Medal
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 15 June 1944
    Date 1944
    Catalogue reference WO 373/6

    LG - Viewing Page 2853 of Issue 36563


    24th Guards Brigade, 1st Division, 6 Corps
    2620653 Guardsman William HEATH, 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS


    During the ANZIO Bridgehead operations, this Guardsman was a Bren gunner in No. 9 Platoon and was consistently an inspiration and example to the Platoon.

    On one occasion while the Platoon was being very heavily engaged he kept his Bren gun firing with such good effect that an enemy platoon threatening the flank was completely broken up; fifteen being killed.

    Later, during a night of persistent German attacks, he moved out of his slit trench in order to bring fire onto the enemy crawling towards the positions.

    Only complete disregard of personal safety enabled this Guardsman to produce such effective results with his gun.

    On another occasion, the night of 9th February, Guardsman HEATH again was largely responsible for breaking up two attacks on his Platoon position by his coolness and extreme skill with which he handled his Bren gun.

    Signed E.J.B. NELSON, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS

    Granted an Immediate M.M.
     
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2019

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