38746 Gerald Edward Winter POTTER, MC, 6 Grenadier Guards

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Potter, Gerald Edward Winter
Rank: Captain Temporary Major
Service No: 38746
Regiment: 6 Grenadier Guards
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
Award: Military Cross
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 24 February 1944
Date 1943-1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/4


201st Guards Brigade, 56th Division, 10 Corps
38746 War Substantive Captain, Temporary Major Gerald Edward Winter POTTER

MONTE MAGIORE, 22nd October 1943.

During the attack on the above-mentioned feature this Company Commander was responsible for attacking and capturing the vital feature of Point 860.

This feature was covered in almost impenetrable scrub making any advance a matter of extreme difficulty. By his magnificent leadership and example and personally leading his Company with a Bugler to keep direction, he arrived at the summit at an hour before the time estimated, and completely surprised the enemy who were approximately one Company strong, putting them to flight and capturing 47 rifles, 5 spandaus, and one 81mm mortar.

Had this attack not gone in with such dash which was due solely to this Officer's personal leadership, it is unlikely that this feature would have been captured without great difficulty, and its capture was vital for the future success of the attack.

Signed W. KINGSMILL, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 6th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS

Granted an Immediate M.C.