The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Hill, Albert Edward Rank: Acting Corporal Service No: 2621991 Regiment: 5 Battalion Grenadier Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Military Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 08 February 1945 Date 1944-1945 Catalogue reference WO 373/9 1st Guards Brigade, 6th S.A. Armoured Division, 13 Corps 2621991 Acting Corporal, Unpaid Lance-Corporal Albert Edward HILL, 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS On 25th July the Battalion attacked the South end of a high ridge East of the village of GRIEVE which completely dominated a valley in which 6th South African Armoured Division were to operate. The Left forward Company, of which this N.C.O. commanded the leading Section, had as its first objective a group of farm houses more than half way up the hill. After an extremely stiff climb lasting 50 minutes, Lance-Serjeant HILL's Section had reached the steepest part of the slope about 150 yards below the houses when the 20 Germans who held this locality opened fire on the Section with spandaus and caused three casualties. Lance-Serjeant HILL instantly led the remnants of his Section up the hillside, in full vie woof the enemy and under increasingly heavy small arms fire, directly towards the enemy position. Displaying spectacular personal courage and most determined leadership he closed with the enemy and engaged them in hand to hand fighting. Ten of the enemy were killed or captured by this courageous N.C.O. and the three men of his Section, in circumstances where all the advantages lay with the defenders. The remaining ten broke and ran in the face of this fierce assault and were engaged by Lance-Sergeant HILL as they ran back through the woods. [Part of the text has been struck out] Signed G.C. GORDON-LENNOX, D.S.O., Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS Granted an Immediate M.M.
