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Lt Philip Kenneth Edward Curtis VC

Discussion in '☆☆ New Recruits ☆☆' started by MerlinSpits, Sep 29, 2010.

  1. MerlinSpits

    MerlinSpits Member

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    Hi!

    Can you possibly help me to find me a link to the London Gazette for December 1st 1953? I have been told that his citation is on that date

    Thank you
     
  2. Biak

    Biak Boy from Illinois Staff Member

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    I hope this is what you're looking for. I just Googled "London Gazette for December 1st 1953" and came up with:

    THE VICTORIA CROSS

    Lieutenant Philip Kenneth Edward Curtis The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, attached The Gloucestershire Regiment (Posthumous)
    During the first phase of the Battle of the Imjin River on the night of 22nd/23rd April, 1951, "A" Company, 1 Glosters, was heavily attacked by a large enemy force. By dawn on 23rd April, the enemy had secured a footing on the "Castle Hill" site in very close proximity to No. 2 Platoon's position. The Company Commander ordered No.1 Platoon, under the command of Lieutenant Curtis, to carry out a counter-attack with a view to dislodging the enemy from the position. Under the covering fire of medium machine guns, the counter-attack, gallantly led by Lieutenant Curtis, gained initial success, but was eventually held up by heavy fire and grenades. Enemy from just below the crest of the hill were rushed to reinforce the position and a fierce fire-fight developed, grenades also being freely used by both sides in this close-quarter engagement. Lieutenant Curtis ordered some of his men to give him covering fire while he himself rushed the main position of resistance; in this charge Lieutenant Curtis was severely wounded by a grenade. Several of his men crawled out and pulled him back under cover, but, recovering himself, Lieutenant Curtis insisted on making a second attempt. Breaking free from the men who wished to restrain him, he made another desperate charge, hurling grenades as he went, but was killed by a burst of fire when within a few yards of his objective.

    For more;
    1950 - 1953, The Victoria Cross and the George Cross Korean War. VC GC
     
  3. MerlinSpits

    MerlinSpits Member

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    Thanks very much for your response, As my grandfather knew him very closely, I was planning to get a copy of that date to give as a present.

    Many thanks, for your help, I am sure it will prove useful!

    ;) ;) ;)
     
  4. Biak

    Biak Boy from Illinois Staff Member

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    Possibly someone will be along who can help you more in finding how to obtain a copy of the issue directly from the Gazette. Good Luck and keep us posted how you are doing.
     
  5. MerlinSpits

    MerlinSpits Member

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    I found a copy of his medals on ebay, and thought it fitting, to place these with a picture of him to give my grandfather as a present.
     

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