Hi, I am trying to find out about my Grandfather, Sergeant George Forbes Lees, army number 1419112. He was killed in Singapore on 21 February 1942 and is commemorated at Column 5, Singapore Memorial. Kranji (Changi) War Cemetery 9 Coast Regiment (formed from 9 Heavy Regiment (TA). In particular I am trying to find out why he was mentioned as referenced below in the London Gazette: http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37808/supplements/5948/page.pdf War Office, 5th December, 1946. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field: — Royal Regiment of Artillery. 1419112 Sgt. G. F. LEES (posthumous). Any pointers to reference material would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Hello - The details of his deed maybe listed in the units war diary if one survived. I know a lot of the unit diaries at Singapore were destroyed before they were captured/surrendered. It's not listed online at the National Archives but there maybe some documentation somewhere becuase he was awarded it after the war, probably after the witness's were liberated. For your info Victoria Cross's and MID's were the only two awards awarded posthumously during WW2 so he may have done something quite brave to get recognised.