The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Name Pearson, Thomas Rank: Lance Serjeant Service No: 2721484 Regiment: 1 Battalion Irish Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia) Award: Military Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 04 May 1943 Date 1943 Catalogue reference WO 373/1 24th Guards Brigade, 1st British Division, 6 American Corps 2721484 Lance-Serjeant Thomas PEARSON, 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS On the night of 24th / 25th March this N.C.O. was in a patrol which was working 3,000 yards behind the enemy lines at Point 305, 5138 and he was left with his Bren Gun to protect with fire a further forward movement of the patrol. As the patrol advanced, five enemy Machine Guns opened up on it. Lance-Serjeant PEARSON immediately opened with his Bren Gun firing tracer at each in turn to draw their fire onto himself and thus save his patrol. This he did so successfully that the patrol was able to disengaged and withdraw, he himself firing until his ammunition was exhausted and at several moments during this action his Bren Gun was being hit by enemy fire. Lance-Serjeant PEARSON showed very great bravery in drawing the fire of five enemy Machine Guns and completely disregarded his personal safety in order to distract the enemy and save the lives of his comrades. By this gallant action most of the patrol was saved and German deserters have subsequently confirmed that Lance-Serjeant PEARSON killed four enemy and wounded two others. Strongly recommended for an immediate award. Signed C.A. Montagu-Douglas-Scott, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS Lance Serjeant THOMAS PEARSON M M 2721484, 1st Bn., Irish Guards died aged 30 on 28 April 1943 Son of John and Elizabeth Pearson; husband of Margaret Harper Pearson, of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Remembered with honour OUED ZARGA WAR CEMETERY Grave/Memorial Reference: 1. C. 24. CWGC :: Casualty Details See also GCT/Irish Guards Commemoration - YouTube http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/brigad...ion-irish-guards-1943-thomas-pearson-m-m.html
