Award Military Medal Sgt. G.H. Wilson, No. 9 Commando (A & S H)

brithm · Apr 2, 2022 at 6:56 PM

Award Military Medal Sgt. George Harry (Hannay?) Wilson, (2979257) No. 9 Commando (A & S H)
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This NCO was one of the first to volunteer for Special Service and joined 6 Independent Company in April 1940. He has taken part in all the Commando's actions acting as Signal Sgt and has consistently carried out his duties which, in a Commando, are often extremely dangerous and difficult with the utmost zeal and efficiency.
During the period 1-3 April 1945 Sgt. WILSON took part, as NCO i/c Commando Sigs, on Operation ROAST, an amphibious landing by 2 Commando Brigade on the spit of land between Lake COMACCHIO and ADRIATIC. The early part of the operation consisted of a most exhausting journey across Lake COMACCHIO in Storm boats which had to be pushed or paddled most of the way due to consistent engine breakdowns and shallowness of water.
Every time his craft broke down Sgt. WILSON, who was manning the 22 set link to Brigade HQ and responsible for the safe and dry arrival of all wireless sets and equipment, had to change his boat in the middle of the lake in darkness. This was no easy matter as communications had to be maintained the whole time.
During the battle Sgt. WILSON had to keep communications going and maintain the forward troops with new sets and batteries over a period of 3 days consistent fighting. The success of this operation was helped considerably by this NCOs care and cool efficiency in getting the W.T. Sets where ... dry and keeping communications going throughout the battle.
Sgt. WILSON next took part in Operation IMPACT ROYAL another amphibious landing on the S.W. shore of Lake COMACCHIO from 13-17 Aril 1945. This operation was an attempt to force a crossing of the FOSSA MARTHA together with clearing the enemy from houses on the south bank of the canal. Communications had to be maintained under very heavy shell and M.G. fire during the fighting and whilst the troops were on the bank of the canal launching the assault boats. A high proportion of signallers became casualties but at no time did communications back to Commando HQ break down. Should this have happened, the tide of battle might well have turned against us.
This NCO has taken part in 10 different Commando actions including the Greek campaign and ANZIO landing in January 1944. He had always shown the highest example of efficiency soldierly bearing and throughout all the actions in which he has taken part this NCO has displayed great courage and leadership often under heavy fire. His previous service (attested April 1933) including North West Frontier operations and service in SINGAPORE
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WO 373/14/733

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Award Military Medal Sgt. G.H. Wilson, No. 9 Commando (A & S H)

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Award Military Medal Sgt. G.H. Wilson, No. 9 Commando (A & S H)

brithm Senior Member

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