The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Simmonds, George Edward Thomas Rank: Corporal Service No: 2619676 Regiment: 5 Battalion Grenadier Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Military Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 15 June 1944 Date 1944 Catalogue reference WO 373/6 LG - Viewing Page 2853 of Issue 36563 24th Guards Brigade, 1st Division, 6 Corps 2619676 War Substantive Corporal, Acting Serjeant George Edward Thomas SIMMONDS, 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS In the ANZIO Bridgehead on the 25th January 1944, 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS were attacking a position known as the Factory and enemy opposition was extremely fierce. Acting Serjeant SIMMONDS was Platoon Serjeant and by dint of skill and an utter disregard for his own safety succeeded personally in forcing an entry into the Factory building. This action resulted not only in Serjeant SIMMONDS capturing a large number of prisoners, but was of the greatest possible assistance in enabling the Battalion to reach its final objective. On 4th February this Platoon Serjeant's position was heavily attacked by overwhelming numbers of the enemy and the fact that the position was held was largely due to this N.C.O.'s fine leadership and personal bravery under the most unpleasant conditions. The above are two incidents only which occurred during a long period of strain from 25th January - 9th February 1944, throughout which Serjeant SIMMONDS' behaviour has been of the highest order. Signed E.J.B. NELSON, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS Granted M.M.