The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Name Balcombe, Robert Rank: Corporal Service No: 2700715 Regiment: 2 Battalion Scots Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Military Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 21 December 1944 Date 1944-1945 Catalogue reference WO 373/9 24th Guards Brigade, 5th British Division, 10 Corps 2700715 War Substantive Corporal, Lance-Sergeant Robert BALCOMBE, 2nd Battalion SCOTS GUARDS This Sergeant whilst on patrol in front of TRIMONSUOLI displayed great courage and leadership, in that when the patrol were challenged by the enemy, he immediately grasped the situation and, after waiting a few minutes, attacked the enemy. He entered a house, rushed in and shot two men dead with his tommy-gun. Still keeping his men under control, although there was no light in the house, they went up the stairs and proceeded to kill a further two. He then withdrew his men from the house and they were heavily fired on. Sergeant BALCOMBE withdrew his men and returned to our lines. Much valuable information concerning enemy movement was brought back, especially about the laying of mines and also about the pin-pointing of enemy automatic weapons. His conduct under extremely difficult conditions was exemplary, and his initiative and courage were magnificent.
