6343939 Colour Serjeant William Henry CHICK, GM, MiD, Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment

Discussion in 'British Army Units - Others' started by dbf, Aug 19, 2021.

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Army Number: 6343939
    Rank: Colour Serjeant
    Name: William Henry CHICK, GM, MiD
    Unit: Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment


    London Gazette : 17 February 1942
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35460/page/773/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the George Medal, in recognition of conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner, to: —
    No. 6343939 Sergeant William Henry CHICK, The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regi- ment (Darlington).

    London Gazette : 29 November 1945
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37368/supplement/5815/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy: —
    R.W.K.
    6343939 Col/Sgt. W. H. CHICK, G.M.
     
    Last edited: Aug 20, 2021
  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Recommendation for Award for Chick, William Henry Rank: Serjeant Service No:... | The National Archives
    Reference: WO 373/67/198
    Name Chick, William Henry
    Rank: Serjeant
    Service No: 6343939
    Regiment: Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: Non-Combatant Gallantry
    Award: George Medal
    Date of announcement in London Gazette: 17 February 1942

    THE GEORGE MEDAL.
    No. 6343939 Sergeant William Henry CHICK, The Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment.

    At 11.40 a.m. on the 7th August, 1941, a Spitfire made a forced landing on the beach south of DEAL. The pilot, attempting a landing between the lines of scaffolding on the beach and the sea, hit the scaffolding and touched ground on the shingle inside a landmine field. One mine was set off by the impact. The explosion from this set light to the wingtips of the aeroplane. The pilot could not move from the cockpit owing to injuries sustained. Sergeant CHICK, who was in charge of a party working on the seaward side of the scaffolding, walked into the minefield as far as the plane, which was still smouldering. He managed to release the pilot from the cockpit, carry him to the edge of the minefield and, with assistance from outside, house him over the fence into safety.


    Throughout this rescue there was considerable risk that Sergeant CHICK would treat on a mine hidden under the shingle. In view of the fact that he had already seen one mine explode, Sergeant CHICK’s action required great courage.
     

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    Last edited: Aug 20, 2021
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  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

  4. Charley Fortnum

    Charley Fortnum Dreaming of Red Eagles

    It seems likely that this man is pictured in these images that have appeared from the IWM:
    large_H_018632_1.jpg large_H_018632_2.jpg large_H_018631_1.jpg large_H_018631_2.jpg
     
    Guy Hudson and dbf like this.
  5. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Nice find, thanks very much for adding.
     
  6. Guy Hudson

    Guy Hudson Looker-upper

    Charley Fortnum and dbf like this.

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