2718877 Patrick MERCER, MBE, MM, 1 Irish Guards

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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.

 

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

 

Army Number: 2718877
Rank: Company Serjeant-Major
Name: P MERCER
Unit: 1 Irish Guards
Theatre: Italy
Missing Personnel file: 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS - Italy, Missing Personnel file
TNA Reference: WO 361/784
Notes: Location as of 2 May 1945: 161 O.C.T.U.

 

From Irish Guards Journal, 1955


From Irish Guards Journal, 1959

 

Irish Guards: Medal Rolls, General Service Medal, Palestine Clasp 1945 - 1948

Army Number: 2718877
Rank: Warrant Officer Class II, Company Serjeant Major
Name: P MERCER, MM
Unit: 1 Irish Guards
GSM & Clasp: GSM, Palestine Clasp 1945 - 1948
TNA Reference: WO 100/526
Notes:

 

My great uncle (mothers uncle)

 

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

 

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

 

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