2694726 Robert ASHCROFT, MM, 1 Scots Guards

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Name Ashcroft, Robert
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 2694726
Regiment: 1 Battalion Scots Guards
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
Award: Military 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, 1st British Division, 6 American Corps
2694726 Corporal, Lance-Sergeant Robert ASHCROFT, 1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS

Place: ANZIO Bridgehead

This Lance-Sergeant was on of the Mortar Detachment Commanders which went out on a daylight patrol with Right Flank on the 29th January, 1944.

He was instructed to take his detachment to some houses in No Man's Lance which were believed clear of the enemy, and cover the advance of the patrol from there. No sooner had they arrived there, however, and begun mounting the Mortar behind one of the houses, than some Germans began throwing grenades down at them from the top storey of the building.

Although shot several times through the leg, Lance-Sergeant ASHCROFT ordered his men to fight their way out, he himself attacking and killing with this Tommy gun several Germans in nearby slit trenches.

Although under continuous Machine Gun fire, he managed to crawl, his leg being useless, all the way back to our own positions, a matter of about 1,??0 yards. He and one other uninjured Guardsman were the only ones of the detachment to return from the buildings, which were afterwards ascertained to be held by at least a company of the enemy.

This Lance-Sergeant showed extreme courage, enterprise and determination in fighting his way back to our lines although badly wounded in the legs.

Signed Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS.

Downgraded from D.C.M. Granted an Immediate M.M.

 

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