The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Name Dodds, Alan Rank: Lance Corporal Service No: 2721127 Regiment: 1 Battalion Irish Guards Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy Award: Military Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 24 August 1944 Date 1944 Catalogue reference WO 373/7 LG - Viewing Page 3924 of Issue 36668 24th Guards Brigade, 1st British Division, 6 American Corps 2721127 Lance-Corporal Alan DODDS, 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS For the first week in the Bridgehead this Lance-Corporal was Intelligence Dispatch Rider. As such he was entrusted with numerous tasks of responsibility and importance all of which he carried out in an exemplary manner. He was constantly riding up and down roads under heavy shell fire and at all times he remained a model of coolness and willingness. On February 2nd he took over the duties of Intelligence Sergeant, and as such was at Battalion H.Q. when the Germans attacked on the night of 3rd February / 4th February. Throughout the whole of this action he displayed a courage and initiative that was remarkable and constant. Together with Major D.M.L. GORDON-WATSON and Lance-Corporal CROSS he fought his way out of Battalion H.Q. when it was surrounded and with his Tommy Gun did great execution amongst the Germans who had infiltrated into the gullies in the rear. By a quick snap shot he disposed of a German who suddenly appeared from a culvert, and following up his advantage he captured the remainder of the German section who were hiding in the culvert. He then reported to the Commanding Officer at the Farm which was to be the new Battalion position, having in the interval found and repaired a derelict M/C. [?motorcar] Lance-Corporal DODDS then immediately set out on numerous hazardous expeditions to meet and guide the small parties of men as they came back. He was a constant target for enemy snipers and Machine Guns but this did not deter him in the least and he continued to do his duty with complete disregard for his own safety. Lance-Corporal DODDS's reliability, gallantry and initiative were outstanding. I recommend him for the award of M.M. Signed C.A. Montagu-Douglas-Scott, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS
Army Number: 2721127 Rank: Lance Corporal Name: A DODD Unit: H.Q. Company, 1 Irish Guards Theatre: Italy Missing Personnel file: 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS - Italy, Missing Personnel file TNA Reference: WO 361/784 Notes: Date of Payment 14 January 1944, 400 Local Currency