2718877 Patrick MERCER, MBE, MM, 1 Irish Guards

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by dbf, Aug 17, 2011.

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details
    Name Mercer, Patrick
    Rank: Company Quarter Master Serjeant
    Service No: 2718877
    Regiment: 1 Battalion Irish Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia)
    Award: Military Medal
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 23 September 1943
    Date 1943-1944
    Catalogue reference WO 373/2


    2718877 Company Quarter Master Sergeant Patrick MERCER, 1st Bn IRISH GUARDS
    24 Guards Brigade, 1 British Division, 5 Corps

    Map Sheet TUNISIA 1/50,000 series 4225, sh 19.
    Action on Point 212 on DJEBEL BOU AOUKAZ, 27 / 30 April, 1943

    On the morning of Thursday, 29 April, CQMS MERCER volunteered to accompany a carrier convoy of food and ammunition which was being sent from Battalion HQ, Point 151, to the force which was surrounded by the Germans on Point 212. The convoy made its way successfully through enemy territory. On arrival at the bottom of the hill, CQMS MERCER organised the unloading and carrying up of the supplies under enemy fire.

    On reaching the top of the hill he immediately took an active part in the fighting. His enthusiasm and courage put fresh energy into the troops, particularly the sections of Nos. 1 and 4 Companies of which he took command. He was completely tireless and as equally regardless of his own safety, as he moved from the section to section directing the fire and encouraging the men. His presence, example and cool bravery put new life into tired men, and urged them to greater effort.

    He himself was continually on top of the ridge, under point blank 88mm and SAA fire, repelled enemy attacks and was in the fore-front of the counter attacks. On Thursday afternoon, 29 April, after beating off an attack with L.M.G. fire, he collected a handful of men and led a highly successful bayonet charge over the top, with great dash, keeping perfect control of his men, and bringing them back when they had caused the maximum of losses to the enemy with the minimum of casualties.

    I strongly recommend this NCO, for his courage, example and devotion to duty.

    CA Montagu-Douglas-Scott, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Battalion Irish Guards.

    Screen shot 2011-08-21 at 00.15.07.png Screen shot 2011-08-21 at 00.15.18.png
     
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  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details
    Name Mercer, Patrick
    Rank: Warrant Officer Class 1
    Service No: 2718877
    Regiment: 1st Battalion Irish Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: New Year Honours
    Award: Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 01 January 1959
    Date 1959
    Catalogue reference WO 373/166
     
  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Last edited: Oct 28, 2019
  4. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From Irish Guards Journal, 1955
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    From Irish Guards Journal, 1959
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  5. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Last edited: Nov 15, 2019
  6. Sarah Tierney

    Sarah Tierney New Member

    My great uncle (mothers uncle)
     
    4jonboy, CL1 and dbf like this.
  7. Gavin Mercer

    Gavin Mercer New Member

    Same here! My father's (also called Patrick) uncle.
     
  8. Sarah Tierney

    Sarah Tierney New Member

    Hi Gary, that’s great. We must be related. What are the names of your parents?
     
  9. Gavin Mercer

    Gavin Mercer New Member

    My parents are Patrick and Margaret Rose Mercer (deceased). My Grandfather was Michael Mercer who was Patrick's older bother

    So we must be related! Gavin
     
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