2613330 Lawrence BERRESFORD, DCM, MiD, Grenadier Guards

Army Number: 2613330
Rank: Serjeant
Name: Lawrence BERRESFORD, DCM, MiD
Unit: Grenadier Guards


London Gazette : 1 March 1945
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36961/supplement/1177/data.pdf
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe:—
Distinguished Conduct Medal.
No. 2613330 Sergeant Lawrence Berresford, Grenadier Guards (Tydfil, Glam.).

London Gazette : 10 May 1945
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37072/supplement/2461/data.pdf
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe:—
FOOT GUARDS
Gren. G'ds.
2613330 Sergt. L. Berresford.

 

The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details
Name Berresford, Lawrence
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: 2613330
Regiment: 4 Tank Battalion Grenadier Guards
Theatre of Combat or Operation: North West Europe 1944-45
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 01 March 1945


https://www.grengds.com/uploads/files/filepath_529.pdf
BERRESFORD, L. Sgt. 2613330
On 5 Nov 44 at MEIJEL, Sgt Berresford commanded a Tp of No. 2 Sqn. The Sqn had been ordered to attempt a dash round the enemy right flank. Having penetrated behind the German lines some 400 yards, the Sqn became bogged in soft ground and in a minefield as well. Several tanks were knocked out by A/Tk gun fire. Throughout the day from 0745 hours until dark, Sgt Berresford continued to fire the weapons of his Tp at any target which presented itself.
He continued engaging the local farm buildings, from which the Germans were attempting to Bazooka him, and he also continued firing at any opposition which might be giving trouble to the Inf in SCHANS.
Although his Tp was mined, bogged, immobile and also marooned several hundred yards behind the enemy positions, he continued to inspire in his Tp a most offensive spirit and succeeded in killing a large number of Germans. Throughout the day, the Tp was under continual hostile fire which at times became intense. The fire consisted of observed A/Tk fire, arty and mortars. Just before dark an attempt was made by the Recce Tp to come to the aid of the remainder of the Sqn. It did not succeed in reaching Sgt Berresford’s Tp. He therefore remained with his tanks until after dark by which time his ammunition became exhausted. Having received permission to evacuate his tanks he collected his Tp and formed them into a patrol. Leading this patrol, he set forth to approach the German lines from the rear. He encountered two enemy patrols on the way which he successfully dealt with. His party was continually shot at whilst it was passing through the German lines from rear and front. Furthermore, his party was heavily mortared. During this operation four of his men were wounded. He succeeded in bringing back all his wounded as well as the remainder of his patrol. His personal example and leadership was of a standard altogether out of proportion to the command he held. His determined spirit inspired in his Tp the will to continue fighting an offensive action throughout the day, some hundreds of yards behind the enemy lines, during the whole of which time the Tp was under continued observed hostile fire. Finally, his grim determination to fight his way back through the enemy lines inspired his Tp with tremendous confidence and the will to win through.

 

London Gazette : 10 May 1945
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37072/supplement/2456/data.pdf


https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37072/supplement/2461/data.pdf

 

From the Regimental History .