The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Name Bennett, Frederick Clifford Rank: Serjeant Service No: 2694917 Regiment: 1 Battalion Scots Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 15 June 1944 Date 1944 Catalogue reference WO 373/6 LG - Viewing Page 2853 of Issue 36563 24th Guards Brigade, 1 British Division, 6 American Corps 2694917 War Substantive Sergeant Frederick Clifford BENNETT, 1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS Place: ANZIO Bridgehead On the night 29/30 January 1944, Sergeant BENNETT was commanding the leading platoon of his company in an attack against strong enemy positions. As these positions were very much stronger than had been anticipated, Sergeant BENNETT was ordered to lead the way down a ditch and infiltrate to the objective regardless of any enemy holding out on the flanks. In the course of the advance four enemy positions were encountered along the ditch, but in each case Sergeant BENNETT led the leading section in a surprised rush and overcame the positions. In the fourth and final attack before the objective was reached he was wounded in the shoulder, arm and side but he immediately rallied his platoon and led them to the objective. He then returned and led back down the ditch the 35 - 40 prisoners which he had captured in the course of the advance and with one other wounded Guardsman he managed to escort them back to the Battalion H.Q. in spite of the fact that the enemy was still firmly established on either side of the ditch down which he had to go. This N.C.O.'s gallant bearing and initiative were an inspiration to his company. Granted an Immediate D.C.M.