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Grogan, George William St. George

Date of birth:
September 1st, 1875 (Devonport/Devon, United Kingdom)
Date of death:
January 3rd, 1962 (Sunningdale/Berkshire, United Kingdom)
Nationality:
British

Biography

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Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:
Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:
1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, British Army
Awarded on:
May 11th, 1917
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his battaliion. He visited the captured trenches during the action and gave instructions regarding dispositions and consolidation. He kept the brigade informed of the situation and his reports were of great valaue. The spirit of his battalion owes much to his personal courage and cheerfulness."
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Awarded on:
May 15th, 1917
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Unit:
23rd Infantry Brigade, British Army
Awarded on:
July 25th, 1918
"For most conspicuous bravery and leadership throughout three days of intense fighting. Brigadier-General Grogan was, except for a few hours, in command of the remnants of the Infantry of a Division and various attached troops. His action during the whole of the battle can only be described as magnificent. The utter disregard for his personal safety, combined with the sound practical ability which he displayed, materially helped to stay the onward thrust of the
enemy masses. Throughout the third day of operations, a most critical day, he spent his time under artillery, trench mortar, rifle and machine-gun fire, riding up and down the front line encouraging his troops, reorganising those who had fallen into disorder, leading back into the line those who were beginning to retire, and setting such a wonderful example that he inspired with his enthusiasm not only his own men but also the Allied troops who were alongside. As a result the line held and repeated enemy attacks were repulsed.

He had one horse shot under him, but nevertheless continued on foot to encourage his men until another horse was brought.

He displayed throughout the highest valour, powers of command and leadership."
Victoria Cross (VC)
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Unit:
23rd Infantry Brigade, British Army
Awarded on:
July 26th, 1918
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
""For conspicuous gallantry and devotion during a long period of active operations. On one occasion, when in command of the left division, it was mainly due to his personal efforts that the line was maintained and extended when troops of the left were withdrawn. Whenever the position became critical he went forward himself to restore the situation, and his splendid example of courage and endurance greatly inspired all ranks."

Awarded as bar on the ribbon of the first medal.
Period:
Russian Civil War (1917-1922)
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Awarded on:
June 3rd, 1919
Companion of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB)
Awarded on:
1935
King George V's Silver Jubilee Medal 1935
Awarded on:
1937
King George VI Coronation Medal
Awarded on:
1953
Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation Medal 1953

with two clasps; "1898" and "Sierra Leone 1898-9"
East and West Africa Medal 1887-1900
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)

clasp "5th Aug - 22nd Nov 1914"
1914 Star

War Diary mentions

23 May 1945 WO 171/5292 - 1 Worcestershire Regiment
Instructions issued that Bn. would move to area NEETZE (S9322) on 24th May. C.O. Lt.-Col. M. R. J. Hope-Thomson M.C. returned from HARBURG W area. Orders of the day by Brig. Gen. G. W. St. G. Grogan V.C., C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O. Colonel The Worcestershire Regiment.

Sources