2721063 Samuel McCOMISH, MM, 2 Irish Guards

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by dbf, Aug 16, 2011.

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details
    Name McComish, Samuel
    Rank: Serjeant
    Service No: 2721063
    Regiment: 2 Battalion Irish Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: North West Europe 1944-45
    Award: Military Medal
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 24 January 1946
    Date 1945-1946
    Catalogue reference WO 373/56

    2721063 War Substantive Sergeant Samuel McCOMISH, 2nd Battalion IRISH GUARDS
    5th Guards Brigade, Guards Armoured Division, 30 Corps

    This Non-Commissioned Officer has shown a consistently high quality of leadership. In NORMANDY, on 3 August 1944, Sergeant McCOMISH was in command of a troop watching the rear of the Battalion position. A counter-attack delivered by tanks and infantry destroyed his other two tanks. Although completely exposed, Sergeant McCOMISH fought this tank and by accurate High Explosive fire kept the enemy infantry from concentrating and closing in. For three hours this continued, until the enemy withdrew.

    At AALST in HOLLAND, on 18 September, 1944, when the Squadron in which Sergeant McCOMISH commanded a troop was held up by Anti-Tank guns, he led his tanks round the left flank and engaged them with great success, knocking out two in co-operation with the gunner O.P.

    In April 1945, after crossing the RHINE, Sergeant McCOMISH was Troop Sergeant of a troop sent to try and get round the flank of the enemy holding a position at GILDEHAUS. His Troop Leader was seriously wounded, and Sergeant McCOMISH immediately moved his tank forward into an exposed position from which he could cover his Troop Leader and allow him to be evacuated. He did this under heavy fire from a S.P. and two Anti-tank guns, and although his tank was almost immediately exhausted all his ammunition. Sergeant McCOMISH then covered his crew while they withdrew, and did not withdraw himself until they had all got back.

    His determination and pugnacity throughout the campaign in EUROPE have been outstanding.

    Recommended for Periodic M.M.

    LG 24 Jan 1946 - https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37442/supplement/643/data.pdf


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    Photo taken on 18th September 1944, see link for details, Sgt McComish is the man sitting on top of turret.
    Irish Guards Group / Guards Armoured Division, Aalst, nr Eindhoven, 18 September 1944
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    Last edited: Jan 23, 2018
  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Army Number: 2721063
    Rank: Serjeant
    Name: Samuel 'Maxi' McCOMISH
    Unit: 2 Irish Guards
    Theatre: North West Europe
    Date of Capture: 1945
    Place of Capture:


    1945 Liberated shortly afterwards.

    Serjeant 'Maxie' Samuel McComish, MM from Belfast was one of my father's good friends. He is also featured in a video clip when he was POW for a few days from the 2nd April 1945, and before the GAD overran the place where he was being held. McComish is seen at the end of the clip shaking hands with the Coldstream Guardsman.





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    See also:
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2023
  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Sergeant's Mess, Hamburg, c. 1946/7
    Rear Row: D/Sgt 'Pinkie' Stewart , CSM Samuel 'Maxi' McComish MM, C/Sgt John Kenneally VC, P/Maj Reggie Batt.
    Front Row: Cooper?, RSM Teddy Nye, Martin Campbell, Des Lynch DCM.

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  4. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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    rodbender and CL1 like this.
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    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Last edited: Nov 15, 2019

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