The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Kingsmill, William Henry Rank: Major Service No: 33717 Regiment: 6 Battalion Grenadier Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Distinguished Service Order Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 27 January 1944 Date 1943-1944 Catalogue reference WO 373/4 201st Guards Brigade, 56th Division, 10 Corps 33717 War Substantive Major, Lieutenant-Colonel William Henry KINGSMILL, M.C. During the evening of 11th September at BATTIPAGLIA a heavy attack developed on the Sector of the front held by the 6th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS with two companies 3rd Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS under command. The enemy succeeded in penetrating into the position through the thick country in considerable numbers, so that at one state the position appeared critical. Lieutenant-Colonel KINGSMILL with great presence of mind, organised counter-attack after counter-attack, which eventually succeeded in repelling the enemy. By the time that this happened, every man who was in the area, no matter what his normal employment was in the firing lines. It is greatly due to Lieutenant-Colonel KINGSMILL's courage, leadership and personal example that the battalion repelled this attack. Signed Brigadier Commanding 201st Guards Brigade 29th September 1943. Granted an Immediate D.S.O.