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176726 George Woodthorpe CHAPLIN, MC, MiD, 5 Grenadier Guards: 02/12/1944

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by dbf, Oct 5, 2020.

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  1. dbf

    dbf Member

    Personal Number: 176726
    Rank: Major
    Name: George Woodthorpe CHAPLIN
    Unit: Grenadier Guards


    London Gazette : 28 March 1941
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35118/supplement/1794/data.pdf
    The undermentioned Cadets, from 161st & 163rd O.C.T.U's, to be 2nd Lts., except as otherwise stated.
    8th Mar.1941:—
    FOOT GUARDS.
    Gren. G'ds.
    George Woodthorpe CHAPLIN (176726).

    London Gazette : 23 September 1943
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36180/supplement/4225/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in
    North Africa.
    Foot Guards.
    Gren. G'ds.
    Lt. G. W. Chaplin (176726).

    London Gazette : 15 June 1944
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36563/supplement/2852/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy —
    The Military Cross.
    Lieutenant George Woodthorpe Chaplin (176726), Grenadier Guards (London, S.W.5)
     
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2020
    dbf, Oct 5, 2020
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    dbf Member

    Last edited: Nov 16, 2020
    dbf, Oct 5, 2020
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  3. dbf

    dbf Member

    The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details
    Chaplin, George Woodthorpe
    Rank: Lieutenant
    Service No: 17726 [sic; 176726]
    Regiment: 5 Battalion Grenadier Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
    Award: Military Cross
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 15 June 1944
    Date 1944
    Catalogue reference WO 373/6

    24th Guards Brigade, 1st Division, 6 American Corps
    17726 War Substantive Lieutenant George Woodthorpe CHAPLIN

    On 4th February 1944 at CARROCETO, No. 2 Company which had been heavily attacked by infantry and tanks throughout the night, was completely cut off from the Battalion and all communications had broken down.

    It was not possible to reach the Company without going over about 200 yards of ground in full view of the enemy whose machine guns invariably opened up on any observed movement.

    The Commanding Officer ordered Lieutenant CHAPLIN to go forward to see if it was possible to reach the Company. Disregarding enemy fire, Lieutenant CHAPLIN made his way through heavy Machine Gun fire to the Company, and personally visited all three Platoons, encouraging the men and giving them information about the battle as a whole. This action greatly raised the morale of this Company.

    Lieutenant CHAPLIN returned through enemy fire having obtained for the Commanding Officer detailed information about the night's action and the names and numbers of casualties.

    On the night of 7th February / 8th February, Battalion H.Q. was in a gully - to which the enemy penetrated in strength having overrun three companies. The enemy took up positions on the top of the cliff which overlooked the H.Q. and started firing at short range with machine-pistols, L.M.G.s and hand-grenades into the Command Post.

    Lieutenant CHAPLIN went out alone on his own initiative, climbed round the entrance to the gully and by throwing hand-grenades at the enemy kept them from the edge of the cliff for long enough for the Command Post to be moved. But for this gallant and spontaneous action the enemy would have been able from the cliff-top to drop grenades right into the Command Post and would have destroyed Battalion H.Q.

    Throughout the period 24th January - 10th February, during which the battalion was almost continuously in action, Lieutenant CHAPLIN has shown a determination to obtain information of value to the battalion with a complete disregard for his personal safety, and his courage and persistence has on many occasions been an inspiring example to the men around him.

    Signed Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS

    Granted an Immediate M.C.
     
    dbf, Nov 16, 2020
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  4. dbf

    dbf Member

    Casualty Details | CWGC
    MAJOR GEORGE WOODTHORPE CHAPLIN
    Service Number: 176726
    Regiment & Unit: Grenadier Guards, 5th Bn.
    Date of Death: Died 02 December 1944
    Buried or commemorated at CASSINO MEMORIAL
    Memorial Reference: Panel 3.
    Location: Italy
    Awards: Military Cross
     
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    dbf Member

    dbf, Nov 16, 2020
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