73132 Lawrence Owen Michael MEADE, MC, 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

Captain (temporary Major) Laurence Owen Michael Meade, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was awarded the Military Cross.
During the battle of Catania on July 18th-19th, 1943, Major Meade displayed a very high level of personal courage and leadership. His tenacity and activity in moving round his area encouraging his men were largely responsible for the defeat of the enemy attacks over a period of eight hours’ bitter and confused fighting.

In very hard fighting against German tanks and infantry, Major Meade handled his company with outstanding ability. Several times both his flanks were penetrated and his calmness and courage in the very difficult and critical situation were most noticeable. He was wounded while personally leading a platoon, which was placed under his command, into position.

His personal courage and energy were exceptional. He was wounded in the shoulder by a burst of machine-gun fire but retained his cheerfulness while having the wound dressed, refusing to leave his company until it was decided he was physically unfit from loss of blood to remain on his feet.

Major Meade was born in Dublin.



http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7644175&queryType=1&resultcount=1
Name Meade, Lawrence Owen Michael
Rank: Captain
Service No: 73132
Regiment: 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Sicily
Award: Military Cross
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 21 October 1943
Date 1943-1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/3

London Gazette:
23 August 1940
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/34931/supplements/5205
19 October 1943
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36217/supplements/4662
24 August 1945
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37239/supplements/4321


See this thread for ref:
www.ww2talk.com/forum/research-material/19413-volunteers-eire-who-have-won-distinctions.html#post195852
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