2700550 Lance-Serjeant James Small WALKER, MM, 1 Scots Guards: 28/10/1944

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

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Army Number: 2700550
    Rank: Lance-Serjeant
    Name: James Small WALKER
    Unit: 1 Scots Guards


    London Gazette : 7 December 1944
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36828/supplement/5613/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy: —
    The Military Medal.
    No. 2700550 Lance-Sergeant James Small Walker, Scots Guards (Fife).
     
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2023
  2. dbf

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    Recommendation for Award for Walker, James Small Rank: Corporal Service No: ... | The National Archives
    Reference: WO 373/8/697
    Name Walker, James Small
    Rank: Corporal
    Service No: 2700550
    Regiment: 1 Battalion Scots Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
    Award: Military Medal
    Date of announcement in London Gazette: 07 December 1944

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    24th Guards Brigade, 6th SA Armoured Division, 13 Corps
    2700550 War Substantive Corporal, Lance-Sergeant James Small WALKER, 1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS

    On night 5th / 6th July 1944, the Battalion was ordered to continue its advance towards CASTEL DI BROLIO and 'C' Company were given the task of attacking and capturing the castle itself.

    The advance took place over 3,000 yards of ground closely covered by shell and mortar fire. The Company reached preliminary positions under the walls of the castle preparatory to making the final assault. On examination, the building proved to be a medieval structure of immense size and strength, with an outer wall 20 / 30 feet in height having only one small arched entrance.

    No. 15 Platoon, in which Lance-Sergeant WALKER was commanding a section, attempted to force its way into the castle and was met with heavy and accurate Machine Gun and mortar fire. In the course of the action the Platoon Commander was wounded. Lance-Sergeant WALKER immediately took command, reorganising and regrouping his sections with commendable speed, skill and indifference to danger.

    He himself went forward and singlehanded engaged the Machine Gun post which was sited in the castle entrance, killing the German manning it; but further enemy posts were concealed behind the walls and heavy fire from automatic weapons opened up at him as well as hand grenades thrown from the top of the battlements; undeterred he again attempted to gain an entrance but the door proved too strong and he was forced to return to his platoon which he maintained in this precarious position until ordered to withdraw, an operation which he conducted in an orderly and skilful manner, still under heavy mortar fire. The casualties were successfully evacuated under his personal supervision.

    [Struck out but legible]
    Throughout the entire campaign Lance-Sergeant WALKER has proved himself to be a gallant and resourceful N.C.O. He is invariably cheerful under the most trying circumstances, and his behaviour on all occasions has been an example and inspiration to all with whom he comes in contact.

    Signed R.D. CARDIFF, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS.

    Downgraded from D.C.M., Granted an Immediate M.M.


    Castello di Brolio 12apr07
     
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2023
  3. dbf

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    Last edited: Jun 14, 2023
  4. dbf

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    Name: James [Small] Walker . Date of Birth: [unspecified] . Age: [23]. Place of... | The National Archives
    WO 416/376/111
    Name: James [Small] Walker.
    Date of Birth: [unspecified].
    Age: [23].
    Place of Birth: [unspecified].
    Service: British Army.
    Rank: [Lance Sergeant].
    Regiment/Unit/Squadron: [1st Battalion, Scots Guards].
    Service Number: 2700500. [sic ; 2700550]
    Date of Capture: [unspecified].
    Theatre of Capture: [unspecified].
    Camp Name/Number: [unspecified].
    PoW number: [unspecified].
    Date of Death: 28/10/1944.
    Number of Photographs: 0.
    Number of Fingerprints: 0.
    Number of X-rays: 0.
    Number of Cards: 2.
    Date: [1939-1945]
     
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2023
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  6. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    Casualty list 1200 dated 30/7/43 - Wounded - 28/4/43
    Casualty list 1584 dated 23/10/44 - Missing - 3/10/44
    Casualty list 1614 dated 27/11/44 - Previously reported missing now reported missing believed POW - 3/10/44
    Casualty list 1785 dated 18/6/45 - Previously reported missing believed POW, date not reported, now reported died of wounds whilst POW in German hands - 28/10/44
     
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