Army Number: 2697572 Rank: Guardsman Name: W PORTER, MiD Unit: Scots Guards London Gazette : 6 January 1944 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36317/supplement/153/data.pdf The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa:— Foot Guards S. G'ds. 2697572 Gdsmn. W. Porter (killed in action).
London Gazette : 6 January 1944 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36317/supplement/153/data.pdf
Casualty Guardsman PORTER, WILLIAM Service Number 2697572 Died 28/04/1943 Aged 26 1st Bn. Scots Guards Son of James and Helen Porter, of Stewarton, Ayrshire. INSCRIPTION: GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS. ST. JOHN XV.13 Buried at MASSICAULT WAR CEMETERY Location: Tunisia Number of casualties: 1447 Cemetery/memorial reference: V. F. 18. See cemetery plan See also 57781 Charles Anthony LYELL, VC, 1 Scots Guards
He was one of the two Guardsmen involved in the action where Captain The Lord Lyell won the Victoria Cross. Guardsman William Porter. This letter was written to Jenny, my grandmother, the day of that action (the date can be seen on the letter). In it he mentions being wounded so I can only assume it is written from his deathbed. “Did you hear about us in the wireless about what we did It was a tough job and I got slightly injured in the head But it is better now so don’t worry for they say this is the beginning of the end of this war” There were another two years of war after this. Sadly, he signs off with, “Cheerio and keep smiling for I am Okay now”. He died the next day.
