7012822 William James McCUTCHEON, MM, 1st Bn., Royal Ulster Rifles: 24/03/1945

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Name: McCutcheon, William
Rank: Warrant Officer Class 2
Service No: 7012822
Regiment: 1 Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles
Theatre of Combat or Operation: North West Europe 1944-45
Award: Military Medal
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 29 March 1945
Date: 1945
Catalogue reference: WO 373/53

7012822 Warrant Officer (Company Sergeant Major) William McCUTCHEON, 6 Airlanding Brigade, 6 Airborne Division, 1 Corps

For gallantry, devotion to duty and conspicuous bravery in the field. Near CABOURG on 18th August 1944, the Reconnaissance Platoon while leading the Battalion, came under heavy fire from Machine Guns, mortars and rifles. It suffered casualties and with minefields on both its flanks was in a very difficult position. The Reconnaissance Platoon Commander called for assistance and C.S.M. McCUTCHEON went forward with stretcher bearers.

Two hours ensued during which time the stretcher bearers slowly dragged the wounded into what cover there was, immediate covering fire being provided together with 2" and 3" mortar smoke from 'C' Company.

The whole operation was organised by Captain MARTIN, the Reconnaissance Platoon Commander, who was frequently absent organising further smoke and covering fire. During these absences C.S.M. McCUTCHEON took over command and assisted in the carriage of stretchers. He also repulsed an attack, on the Platoon flank, by a German patrol.

Throughout the operation he showed a complete disregard for his own personal safety, his coolness and tenacity made a difficult operation possible, and he finally came out himself carrying a stretcher with the Platoon Commander, crossing a minefield in the process.

Over the whole period his bravery, as always with this Warrant Officer, was absolute, and he was an inspiration to all, Officers and men alike.

Recommended for D.C.M.
Awarded M.M.
L.G. 29/03/1945

 

Casualty Details | CWGC
Warrant Officer Class II WILLIAM JAMES McCUTCHEON, M.M., 7012822, 1st (Airborne) Bn., Royal Ulster Rifles who died age 28 on 24 March 1945
Remembered with honour REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY
Grave Reference: 38. C. 6.
Location: Germany
Son of Hugh and Rose Ann McCutcheon; husband of Vera Amy McCutcheon, of Harpenden, Hertfordshire.
Personal Inscription: WHEN THE CALL CAME HE ANSWERED


Remembered on two War Memorials

• HARPENDEN - War Memorials Online
• Lisburn War Memorial, Co Antrim
• William James McCutcheon - WartimeNI - "William’s battledress jacket is on display in the Royal Ulster Rifles Regimental Museum, Belfast, Co. Antrim."