Colin Grazier - Tamworth Heritage Trust In St Editha's Square, Tamworth. "This memorial is dedicated to Able Seaman Colin Grazier of Two Gates, Tamworth, who gave his life recovering vital Enigma codes from a sinking German U-boat. His extraordinary bravery together with that of Lt Tony Fasson and Tommy Brown ( all of HMS Petard ) changed the course of WWII saving countless lives worldwide. While undoubtedly one of the world's greatest war heroes, Grazier was also one of the least known. Details of his actions remained secret for decades, depriving him of the true recognition he so richly deserved. This tribute was erected in the Year 2002. Following a campaign in the Tamworth Herald which attracted worldwide interest it was made possible with the support of local ex-service and civic organisations." Nearby is The Colin Grazier Hotel. In Tamworth's War Memorial Hall.
UK, British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 Name: Colin Grazier Event: Death Birth Date: 7 May 1920 Birth Place: Tamworth, Staffs. Death Date: 30 Oct 1942 Death Age: 22 UK, Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 Name: C Grazier Medal or Award: George Cross Service Year: 1942-1945 Campaign or Service: World War II Gazetted 14 Sep 1943 TD
Isn't it possible to posthumously give both Fosson and Grazier military honours? I understand the reason for awarding them both the George Cross during the war, but that reason is no longer relevant.
The George Cross is both a military and a civilian decoration. Militarily it is outranked only by the Victoria Cross so I do not understand Post 4.
The general public perception of the George Cross seems to be that it's solely a civilian award. The inscription on the plaque doesn't even mention its award to Colin Grazier. "Colin Grazier and Tony Fasson were later recommended for posthumous awards of the Victoria Cross but the Admiralty, concerned this might draw unwanted attention from German Intelligence, instead ordered posthumous awards of the George Cross, the highest civilian award for bravery" Colin Grazier - Tamworth Heritage Trust
I'm not sure the Tamworth Heritage Trust has got this right. They may have been recommended for Victoria Crosses, if so it is more likely the Admiralty amended the recommendation but not for the reason given. As I understand it the Victoria Cross is only awarded for extreme bravery in combat (ie: under actual enemy action) in all other cases the George Cross is the appropriate award. Classic example of military award of the George Cross would be for mine or bomb disposal etc. Come what may anyone who is awarded the VC or GC is an amazing person and truly deserves our admiration.
Medals: campaigns, descriptions and eligibility - GOV.UK Victoria Cross The Victoria Cross is the premier Operational Gallantry award given for ‘most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy’. It may be awarded to all ranks of the services and civilians and can be awarded posthumously. Individuals who perform a further act of such gallantry which would have merited a second award of the VC would be issued with a bar. George Cross The George Cross is the premier award given for non-operational gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. This is awarded for acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. It may be awarded to all ranks of the services and civilians and can be awarded posthumously. TD
Do you mean 2nd October 1943 ? Was not Gazetted until 1943. The story about the VC regarding security is one of those things that if repeated often enough becomes true.
Slight correction to your definitions TD. VC may only be awarded to civilians "under military command", it is primarily a military award. Tim
I only quoted the sections I did so as to differeniate between why one would be awarded a VC and someone else a GC i.e one if in the presence of the enemy the other not. If people required a more details explanatin then they should have gone to the link I provided and read the full description for each medal - Medals: campaigns, descriptions and eligibility - GOV.UK Victoria Cross The Victoria Cross is the premier Operational Gallantry award given for ‘most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy’. It may be awarded to all ranks of the services and civilians and can be awarded posthumously. Individuals who perform a further act of such gallantry which would have merited a second award of the VC would be issued with a bar. The MOD Medal Office does not issue this award. George Cross The George Cross is the premier award given for non-operational gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. This is awarded for acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. It may be awarded to all ranks of the services and civilians and can be awarded posthumously. The MOD Medal Office does not issue this award TD
I was only pointing out that I believe the link, despite it being GOV.UK, is incorrect in that the VC can only be awarded to civilians under military command not civilians in general. I am however quite happy to be corrected if this is not the case. Tim
