Date of birth:

July 25th, 1914 (Pembroke, United Kingdom)

Date of death:

December 18th, 1988 (Exeter, United Kingdom)

Service number:

64608

Nationality:

British (1801-present, Kingdom)

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, 214th Infantry Brigade, 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

October 10th, 1944

"On 29th June 1944 this Officer was commanding the left and assaulting Company during the attack on Mouen.

Soon after leaving the start line, he was wounded by shrapnel in the back. He refused to stop to have his wounds attended to or dressed and continued to lead his Company during a difficult house clearing and mopping up operation.

Two of his Platoon Commanders were wounded as was his CSM but this did not deter him. He personally supervised the clearing up of this area and the consolidation of his Company. Only when this was successfully completed did he allow himself to receive treatment and later to be evacuated.

By his personal leadership and example to the Assault Company, he contributed materially in the successful operation on MOUEN."

29 June 1944 WO 171/1396 - 1 Worcestershire Regiment
Battalion attack commenced, B Company right, C Company left, A Company moppers-up. D Company reserve. 2 Med. Regt. Divisional R.A. and M.M.G. Company in support. Objective was taken and position consolidated. Aprrox. 50 enemy killed – 7 tanks knocked out – and numerous snipers were dealt with. A large amount of enemy equipment was found. Unit identified as 12 SS Division. A strong enemy counter attack was put in during the night in area GRANVILLE consisting of tanks and infantry but position was held and severe casualties caused by artillery. Patrols were sent out. Swastika flag captured. Battalion HQ established at 935657. Company commanders, HQ Company Captain Ratcliff, Support Company Captain Watkins, A Company Major P. F. Roose, B Company Major Grubb, C Company Major A. J. Gutch, D Company Major P. T. Weston. 172 Field Battery (late 12th Battalion – commanded Major Alexander in direct support. The Brigadier congratulated the Battalion on a very fine show.

3 September 1944 WO 171/1396 - 1 Worcestershire Regiment
Div Comds address to all ranks giving full details of our previous operation and congratulates the Div on its fine achievements. Afterwards he held an investiture in which the citations of Maj. Gutch M.C. and Sjt. Stupple M.M. were read but neither were present, both having been evacuated wounded.

• - 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment 1944-45 - Awards and Citations - Major A. J. Gutch