34604 Sir Hugh John Francis Sibthorp CHOLMELEY, DSO, 6 Grenadier Guards

The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details

Cholmeley, Sir Hugh John Francis Sibthorp
Rank: Captain
Service No: 34604
Regiment: 6 Grenadier Guards
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
Award: Distinguished Service Order
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 20 July 1944
The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details

201st Guards Brigade, 56th Division, 10 Corps
34604 Captain, Temporary Major Sir Hugh John Francis Sibthorp CHOLMELEY, Bt., 6th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS

6th November - 10th November, CAMINO

This Officer took over the Command of the Battalion at the last moment, his Commanding Officer having met with an accident.

Against heavy and unexpected opposition this Officer led the Battalion on to its objective - Point 727 & Point 819. He organised a defensive position under extremely heavy and accurate mortar and Machine Gun fire by personally placing each company on the ground and by his total disregard of danger inspired the troops under his command.

The Battalion was subjected to almost continuous counter-attacks several of which succeeded in penetrating into the companies' positions, two of which were at one period cut off from the remainder of the Battalion.

By his example and coolness under heavy and continuous fire of all types this Officer succeeded by this own personality in restoring the position and held on to his positions until relieved.

This feature subsequently was the objective of the Corps attack, yet with a Battalion depleted by heavy casualties he succeeded in capturing and holding until relieved, with one Battalion, part of a feature which, it transpired, was the main out-post position of the CASSINO Line.

Signed Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 6th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS


Strongly recommended. This Officer again led this Battalion with quiet enterprise and gallantry when he was again in temporary command, when ROCCA DEVANDRO was captured a few weeks later.

Signed McCREERY, Lieutenant-General, Commander, 10 Corps

Granted an Immediate D.S.O.