5836648 Rifleman Hugh Chalmers, DCM 2nd Bn London Irish Rifles (Italy)

brithm · Jan 17, 2025

Hull Daily Mail 23rd October 1944

5836648 Rifleman Hugh Chalmers 2nd Bn London Irish Rifles, 38 Irish Brigade, 13 Corps (Stoneferry Hill, Yorkshire)
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal

Map Reference Italy 1/25,000 Sheet 160-II

Rfn. Chalmers is the Bren Gunner of a section of 17 platoon, H Company. During the attack through the Gustav Line at Colle Monchane Rfn. Chalmers' section Commander was wounded. The Bren Group at this stage was apart from the rest of the section who were pinned down by close range small arms fire from Germans in buildings close by. There was also a determined group of Germans firing at the rest of the platoon from trenches on the Right Flank and the whole advance was temporarily held. Rfn. Chalmers then, without any orders to do so, decided to destroy the latter position. This necessitated crawling 100 yards up a ditch and then an assault across another 60 yards. This he did although under heavy fire all the time from a variety of directions. He then charged across the open himself firing his Bren Gun from the hip. The German post contained eight men and two Machine Guns Rfn. Chalmers killed one and the rest surrendered. This act of gallantry was carried out not because he was ordered to do it, but purely because he conceived it his duty to do it. Rfn Chalmers. was alone responsible for dislodging this post and enabling the platoon to advance and fore an entry into the village. His conduct throughout the whole of this battle was exemplary and his merry attitude and a determination to close with the enemy had an inspiring effect not only on his section, after the loss of their leader, but throughout his while platoon.
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WO 373/8/586

Wounded June 1944

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5836648 Rifleman Hugh Chalmers, DCM 2nd Bn London Irish Rifles (Italy)

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5836648 Rifleman Hugh Chalmers, DCM 2nd Bn London Irish Rifles (Italy)

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