Ashmore, Norman Hugh Harry (Henry/Hugh)

Date of birth:: November 13th, 1921 (Cardiff, UK)
Date of death:: November 9th, 2017
Service number:: 168938
Nationality:: British

Biography

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Military Cross (MC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: No. 3 Platoon, 21st Independent Parachute Company, 1st Airborne Division, British Army
Awarded on:: December 21st, 1944
Awarded for:: Operation Market Garden

Recommendation:
"The above officer throughout the action led his men with the greatest courage and set the highest possible example. On the afternoon of 18.9.44, he led an attack on a small wood in which enemy machine-guns were firing on to the D.Z. on which the 4th Parachute Brigade was about to land. This attack successfully achieved its object and saved the Brigade considerable casualties when they ultimately landed.
On the afternoon of 23.9.44, he led a patrol against an enemy position which had been established in the flank of his platoon and successfully cleared it out although heavily engaged by an enemy machine-gun supporting the post.
On 24.9.44, his advanced position became untenable owing to the enemy bringing up self-propelled guns to blast it at close range. When ordered to withdraw to the main defensive line he remained behind with one Bren gun to cover the withdrawal of his platoon though subjected to intensive and accurate fire from the enemy guns. Finally he led his men back over the river without further loss."