2737222 James Henry McGHAN, MM, 3 Welsh Guards

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    Name McGhan, James Henry
    Rank: Acting Corporal
    Service No: 2737222
    Regiment: 3 Battalion Welsh Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
    Award: Military Medal
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 12 April 1945
    Date 1945
    Catalogue reference WO 373/10


    36th Infantry Brigade, 78th Infantry Division, 13 Corps
    2727222 Acting Corporal, Unpaid Lance-Sergeant James Henry McGHAN, 3rd Battalion WELSH GUARDS

    Date: 28th / 29th October 1944, Map Ref: LA COSTA 047226, Sheet 95/IV, 1/50,000, ITALY.

    On 28th October 1944 Lance-Serjeant McGHAN was ordered to take a fighting patrol of one section at last light to a house at LA COSTA Map Ref 047226. On the way to the house the section encountered an enemy recce patrol which they promptly dispersed by fire. Lance-Serjeant McGHAN proceeded with the patrol and occupied the house.

    At 0245 hours 29 October on enemy patrol of 15 men and attempted to rush the house. In spite of the combined efforts of the section, one of the enemy succeeded in throwing a grenade into the building, wounding Lance-Serjeant McGHAN and three men, one severely. Although in great pain from a wound in the leg Lance-Serjeant McGHAN continued to lead his section with the greets courage and coolness agains an enemy much superior in number. By their stubborn and prolonged resistance the section eventually succeeded in driving off the enemy, killing and wounding several of them.

    At first light Lance-Serjeant McGHAN improvised a stretcher for the severely wounded Guardsman, led his section back to Platoon H.Q.and was himself evacuated with the other wounded under the Red Cross flag in full view of the enemy.

    By his personal bravery and leadership, both before and after being wounded Lance-Serjeant McGHAN was the greatest inspiration to the men in his section. His complete disregard for his own safety and his determination not only saved his post from being overrun, after half his section had been wounded, but also resulted in the rout of a numerically far superior enemy patrol.

    Signed Lieutenant-Colonel J.E. GURNEY, M.C., Commanding 3rd Battalion WELSH GUARDS.

    Granted an Immediate M.M.
     

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