207652 John PENN, MC, 3 Grenadier Guards

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    Personal Number: 207652
    Rank: Captain
    Name: John PENN
    Unit: Grenadier Guards


    London Gazette : 10 October 1941
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35303/supplement/5850/data.pdf
    FOOT GUARDS.
    The undermentioned Cadets to be 2nd Lts. 27th Sept. 1941:—
    Gren. G'ds.
    John PENN (207652).

    London Gazette : 8 February 1945
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36928/supplement/796/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 John Penn (207652), Grenadier Guards . (Towcester, Northants).

    London Gazette : 25 April 1952
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/39523/supplement/2233/data.pdf
    EMERGENCY COMMISSIONS.
    FOOT GUARDS.
    Gren. Gds.
    Lt. J. PENN, M.C. (207652), relinquishes his commn., 26th Apr. 1952, and is granted the hon. rank of Capt.
     
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    The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details


    Penn, John
    Rank: Lieutenant
    Service No: 207652
    Regiment: 3 Battalion Grenadier Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
    Award: Military Cross
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 08 February 1945
    Date 1944-1945
    Catalogue reference WO 373/9


    1st Guards Brigade, 6th Armoured Division, 13 Corps
    207652 War Substantive Lieutenant John PENN, 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS


    On the morning of 17th September 1944 in the attack on M. PESCHIENA (Map Ref R. 0789) by 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS Lieutenant PENN was commanding the leading Platoon.

    Two enemy Machine Gun posts held up the advance in very thick country and Lieutenant PENN at once ordered a Section to deal with one of them whilst he himself led another Section against the other. When he had reached a point some 20 yards from the Machine Gun, he charged the post himself capturing it intact single-handed. He then was ordered to cover the consolidation of the objective with his Platoon and in spite of accurate and continuous enemy artillery and mortar fire for an hour and a half, two separate attempts at counter-attack were beaten off.

    During one of these attempts Lieutenant PENN, seeing a Platoon of Germans forming up to attack, led a Section of his Platoon into the flank of the enemy causing the Germans to fly in disorder leaving several casualties behind.

    Throughout the engagement Lieutenant PENN showed coolness, skill and courage which was not only an example to his Platoon but largely responsible for the capturing and holding of this important feature.

    Lieutenant PENN has led his Platoon in ITALY since February 1944 and has shown outstanding bravery and devotion to duty on numerous occasions, and has been a continual source of inspiration in action to those around him.

    I recommend Lieutenant PENN for the immediate award of the M.C.

    Signed E.J.B. NELSON, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS

    Granted an Immediate M.C.
     
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