The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Wood, Ronald Rank: Guardsman Service No: 2622000 Regiment: 3 Battalion Grenadier Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Military Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 08 March 1945 Date 1945 Catalogue reference WO 373/10 1st Guards Brigade, 78th Division, 13 Corps 2622000 Guardsman Ronald WOOD, 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS In the early morning of 11th October when the Germans counter-attacked MONTE BATTAGLIA (Map Ref. M. 0618), Guardsman WOOD was manning a bren gun in the Left forward Platoon of No. 1 Company, 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS on the Western slopes of MONTE BATTAGLIA. A Section of Germans approached WOOD's slit trench firing a light automatic and killing a Guardsman in WOOD's trench. WOOD at once fired back at close range but the bren gun stopped after two rounds. WOOD picked up the gun and knocked the leading German over the head, stunning him. He struck the next one with his fists and when the remaining four Germans attempted to rush the trench, WOOD hurled grenades at them at five yards' range causing them to run away in disorder. He continued to throw anything he could lay his hands on and soon the entire enemy platoon were retreating. In their flight one of the Germans tripped over a 'beehive' booby-trap, previously laid in front of the position, which exploded and its blast caught another fresh German platoon who were moving up the hill in close formation. This platoon suffered 50% casualties, and fled in disorder. Guardsman WOODS' initiative, presence of mind and complete disregard for his own safety caused the rout of an entire enemy company, whose attack, if it had succeeded, would have prejudiced the whole Battalion position. Signed E.J.B. NELSON, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS, 16th October 1944 Granted an Immediate M.M.
