2718336 Joseph DUNNE, DCM, 1 Irish Guards

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    The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details

    LG - Viewing Page 2853 of Issue 36563
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    Army Number: 2718336
    Rank: Serjeant
    Name: J DUNNE
    Unit: Irish Guards
    Theatre:
    POW Number: 130447
    Date of Capture:
    Place of Capture:
    Camp:
    TNA Reference:
     
    Last edited: Sep 17, 2019
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    Army Number: 2718336
    Rank: Guardsman
    Name: J DUNNE
    Unit: 1 Irish Guards
    GSM & Clasp: GSM, Palestine Clasp 1936 - 1939
    TNA Reference: WO 100/503
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2019
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    Army Number: 2718336
    Rank: Serjeant
    Name: J DUNNE
    Unit: 3 Company, 1 Irish Guards
    Theatre: Italy
    Missing Personnel file: 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS - Italy, Missing Personnel file
    TNA Reference: WO 361/784
    Notes: Date of Payment 14 Jan 1944, 600 Local Currency
    Missing 22 February 1944

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    Last edited: Nov 5, 2019
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    PERSONAL INFORMATION
    Name: DUNNE, Joseph
    DOB: 8th June 1914
    Place of Birth: Killurin, Co Wexford, Ireland
    Residence:
    Trade:
    Parents:
    Census:
    Wife: Bridget Dunne; married 1947
    Photo:
    DUNNE Joseph.jpg
    Died: 2014


    SERVICE
    Army Number: 2718336
    Rank: Serjeant
    Regiment/Battalion: Irish Guards, 1st Battalion
    As at 01/09/1939: Irish Guards, 1st Battalion
    Enlisted: 1936
    Discharged:
    Promotions: Serjeant
    Theatres: Egypt, Palestine, Norway, North Africa, Italy
    Aquittance Roll:
    1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS - Italy, Missing Personnel file
    WO 361/784
    2718336 Serjeant DUNNE J, 1st Bn. Irish Guards, 3 Coy.
    Date of Payment 14 Jan 1944, 600 Local Currency

    Army Casualty List (WO 417):
    2718336 Sergeant DUNNE J 1944 Irish Guards
    2718336 Sergeant DUNNE J 1944 Irish Guards
    2718336 Sergeant DUNNE J 1944 Irish Guards
    2718336 Sergeant DUNNE J 1945 Irish Guards

    The Times Casualty List:


    PRISONER/MISSING
    Prisoner of War Number: 130447
    Date of Capture:
    Place of Capture:
    Camp Details: Stlg 7a Moosburg An Der Isar
    POW Liberation Report:
    Missing Personnel File Details:
    WO 361/784
    1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS - Italy, Missing Personnel file
    2718336 Serjeant DUNNE J, 3 Coy. 1st Bn. Irish Guards
    Missing 22 Feb 1944 130447 Stalag VIIA


    MEDALS
    Gallantry Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy

    London Gazette: 15th June 1944 https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36563/supplement/2853/data.pdf
    No. 2718336 Sergeant Joseph Dunne, Irish Guards (Tullamore, Eire).

    The Times, published 16th June 1944: D.C.M. - Sgt. J. DUNNE, Irish Guards
    Screen Shot 2016-10-12 at 01.05.29.png

    The Irish Times, published 15th May 1945:
    "'The record for skill, determination and personal courage' of Serjeant Joseph DUNNE, Irish Guards, Tullamore, in the Anzio bridgehead was of the highest order, and was referred to in the citation accompanying his award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal.''
    Irish Times, DUNNE.png

    TNA Link: Recommendation for Award for Dunne, Joseph Rank: Serjeant Service No: ... | The National Archives
    Citation:
    "24th Guards Brigade, 1st British Division, 6th American Corps,
    2718336 War Substantive Sergeant Joseph DUNNE, 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS

    On January 26th, 1944, this NCO was in command of a platoon which held the left flank of the battalion's position at CARROCETO. About 8 a.m. a strong German counter-attack was put in. One other platoon was overrun and two anti-tank guns and a machine-gun were knocked out, leaving this platoon's position completely exposed to high explosive and small-arms fire of the enemy tanks.

    In spite of this heavy fire Sergeant DUNNE reorganised his position at once and beat off two determined German infantry attacks, showing complete disregard for the heavy covering fire given by the tanks.

    In the night attack of January 29/30, 1944, this NCO lead his platoon with the highest skill and determination. When his platoon was held up by a fixed line machine-gun he dashed forward and destroyed the enemy post single-handed, killing the two Germans who were manning it. The following morning the company, supported by American tank destroyers, carried out an offensive sweep to clear the ridge on the left flank of the brigade salient of enemy machine-guns and snipers. During this operation Sergeant DUNNE led his platoon with the greatest efficiency and courage, destroying three enemy posts with no losses.

    On the morning of January 31, Sergeant DUNNE located a German sniper's nest. Armed with a rifle, he stalked this nest and killed five of the six occupants during the morning. Later in the afternoon he completed the job by killing the remaining sniper who had taken refuge in VALLELATA farm.

    On the night of February 3/4, this Sergeant was with his company when it was overrun by a battalion of the enemy. Despite being wounded he fought his way back to his own lines.

    This NCO's record for skill, determination, marksmanship and personal courage during the whole of the battalion's action in the ANZIO bridgehead was of the highest order and merits in my opinion the immediate award of the D.C.M."

    Recommendation:
    DUNNE JOSEPH 1.png DUNNE JOSEPH 2.png

    Volunteers from Eire who have won Distinctions:
    DUNNE J 1.png DUNNE J 2.png DUNNE J 3.png

    Campaign Medals: Arctic Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, GSM with Palestine Clasp

    Medal Roll Details:
    Medal roll:
    WO 100/503 2718336 Guardsman DUNNE J 1st Bn. Irish Guards Palestine Clasp 1936 - 1938

    REFERENCES
    War Diaries: War Diary: 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS, September 1939 - July 1944
    Archive Files: WO 417, WO 361/784, WO 373, WO 100/503
    Publications:
    Accounts:

    Newspaper: The Times, published 6th April 1944
    "THE IRISH GUARDS AT ANZIO
    BATTALION H.Q. STAFF'S ESCAPE

    A battalion of the Irish Guards was among the first troops to land wet of Anzio, and from there it advanced on Carroceto. On January 26 the enemy launched a counter-attack, which was preceded by tremendous artillery fire. On the left flank the attack was driven off.

    The battalion then dug in half-way up the Carroceto-Campoleone road, and, when this work was made secure, attacked the enemy's main defences, which are protected by a forest of automatic weapons. It reached its objective, a cross-roads, and again dug in. German tanks kept sending up flares and shooting at digging parties, while British tanks could not get through to support them. But the digging continued under a smoke screen provided by the artillery, and finally our tanks secured the high ground on the right and drove off the German tanks.

    Later, the battalion headquarters staff were caught in a gully by a mass of Germans. Their captors took them across the front of a neighbouring battalion which opened fire. Captain Simon Combe, seizing the opportunity, picked up a rifle, shot his immediate guards, and then got possession of a tommy gun and killed five more. Other guardsmen followed suit. Of the 30 Germans in the escort 20 were killed and nine taken prisoner.

    During a subsequent enemy advance German troops who had penetrated within 100 yards of a company headquarters were all killed, captured, or chased away by a counter-attack. That fight was scarcely over when it was reported that another German company was approaching. Most of them were caught in the fire of Bren guns; the remainder fled to cover, where they were caught by artillery fire laid on by Major D.M. Kennedy.

    Soon afterwards the same company of the Irish Guards was in danger of being overrun, and was ordered to withdraw to a prepared position. It moved in three parties - a small section with three stretcher cases, the walking wounded and the wireless and the remainder as rearguard. On its way back it captured a number of Germans in houses, and eventually reached its position."
    The Times, 6 Apr 1944 1.png The Times, 6 Apr 1944 2.png

    Websites:
    Irish Guards: Gallantry Awards & Honours - WWII Open Resource Group
    Irish Guards: Prisoners of War - WWII Open Resource Group
    Irish Guards: Medal Roll Palestine Clasp 1936 - 1939 - WWII Open Resource Group
    DUNNE, JOSEPH, DCM, 1BN
     
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2019
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    Sergeants' Mess 1IG 1944.jpeg

    Back Row - L/Sgt. W. MONTGOMERY, L/Sgt. D. WATSON, L/Sgt. C. WYATT, L/Sgt. O. WILLIAMS, Sgt. P. MORIARTY, Sgt. G. WHELAN, Sgt. J. CARSON, Sgt. O. O'SULLIVAN, Sgt. R. McCONNELL, M.M., Sgt. M. McCARTHY, Sgt. F. TABERN, Sgt. M. O'BRIEN, M.M., Sgt. C. GUNDEL, D.C.M., Sgt. M. McCLEAN, L/Sgt. H. CLAPHAM

    Fourth Row - Sgt. P. HATCHE, L/Sgt. G. SPICER, L/Sgt. G. BANKS, L/Sgt. L. BRADLEY, L/Sgt. H. SCOTT, L/Sgt. F. DOLAN, L/Sgt. J. HIRST, L/Sgt. J. DUNN, L/Sgt. R. DELBRIDGE, L/Sgt. T. TOPPING, L/Sgt. W. McKIBBEN, L/Sgt. J. BROOKS, L/Sgt. R. SWIFT, L/Sgt. C. McKEOWN, L/Sgt. V. POUNTNEY, L/Sgt. C. WEIR, M.M.

    Third Row - L/Sgt. J. P. KENNEALLY V.C., Sgt. E. BARRETT, Sgt. F. McCARTEN, L/Sgt. G. HEBDEN, Sgt. J. BIGLEY, L/Sgt. J. PRYTHERICK, Sgt. F. EDWARDS, L/Sgt. F MANSFIELD, L/Sgt. R. DITCHFIELD, L/Sgt. E. DONNAN, Sgt. J. RYAN, L/Sgt. S. CARR, L/Sgt. P. McNALLY, L/Sgt. C. CHAFFER, L/Sgt. S. BALSHAW, L/Sgt. C. ENGLISHBY, L/Sgt. N. SEARLE

    Second Row - Sgt. A. BARRETT (R.E.M.E.), Sgt. G. CURRY, Sgt. P. McCARTHY, Sgt. D. McALLISTER, Sgt. C. BENNETT, Sgt. W. CRAWFORT, Sgt. A. HUGHES M.M., Sgt. J. ALEXANDER, Sgt. R. THOROGOOD, Sgt. L. SARGANT, Sgt. J. KELLY, L/Sgt. J. COULTER, L/Sgt. R. MURPHY M.M., L/Sgt. J. DORAN, L/Sgt. T. BARROW, L/Sgt. D. SMITH, L/Sgt. F. MEARS

    Front Row - L/Sgt. J. DELAHUNTY, Armr. S/Sgt. A. WORLEY (R.E.M.E.), C.Q.M.S. T. CRYMBLE, C.Q.M.S. J. MOORE, C.Q.M.S. S.W. BARRETT, C.S.M. P. MERCER M.M., C.S.M. J. STUART, C.S.M. W. PESTELL, R.S.M. W. ROONEY M.M., Capt. & Adjt. D.J.L. FITZGERALD M.C., R.S.M. F. KENNY, Major D.M.L. GORDON-WATSON M.C., R.S.M. J. McLOUGHLIN, R.Q.M.S. M. GREY, D/Sgt. M. MORAN M.M., C.S.M. G. STONE, C.S.M. E. WEIR, C.Q.M.S. J. SMYTH, C.Q.M.S. P. BOYLE, C.Q.M.S. W. WALLACE, C.Q.M.S. T. DOONAN


    IRISH GUARDS PHOTOGRAPHS
     
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    The Guards Magazine

    Sergeant Joseph Dunne DCM
    Late Irish Guards

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    Joseph Dunne, who has died aged 100, was born at Killurin, Co Wexford, on 8th June 1914. Intending to join the New York police force, he had been advised to gain some experience in the British Army. He enlisted in the Irish Guards in 1936, seeing service initially in Egypt, Palestine, and later during the aborted campaign in Norway. When war broke out he was sent to North Africa and in January 1944 was serving with the 1st Battalion Irish Guards following the amphibious landings at Anzio in January 1944.

    There was little opposition during the initial landings, so 24th Guards Brigade were ordered to push inland to recce the village of Carroceto which, unbeknown to them, had been reinforced by the Germans. Sgt Dunne, commanding a platoon in 3 Company, held the Battalion’s left flank in the village. At about 0800 hours the Germans counter-attacked, over-running one platoon and knocking out two anti-tank guns and one medium machine gun. Sgt Dunne’s position was now exposed to enemy tanks. Adjusting his position, he was able to beat off two determined German attacks. Three days later, during a night attack on 29th/30th January, he was again leading his platoon when the platoon was held up by machine gun fire, Dunne dashed forward, single-handedly destroying the enemy post, killing two Germans. The following morning, the company, together with an American Tank Destroyer Battalion, cleared the ridge on the left flank of the area. Here, Sgt Dunne led his platoon without loss, destroying three enemy posts ‘like a dose of salts, driving Krauts out in all directions’.

    On 31st January, Sgt Dunne, armed with a rifle, stalked a German sniper’s nest, killing five of the six occupants; he tracked down the one survivor later that day. Three days later, Dunne was captured but escaped, despite being wounded. His citation describes his skill, determination, marksmanship and courage throughout the fighting around Anzio. He was awarded an immediate Distinguished Conduct Medal.

    After the war, Dunne worked at the Junior Carlton Club, and on one occasion was said to have refused entry to a men-only bar to Margaret Thatcher.

    In 2012, a campaign medal, the British Arctic Star, was approved by The Queen, and Joe Dunne received his medal the following year, aged 99. His wife Bridget, whom he married in 1947, died in 1961. They had five children.

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    Joe Dunne being presented with a replacement set of medals to mark his 99th birthday in 2013
     
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