Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 1 Platoon, 21st Independent Parachute Company, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

January 4th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

For gallantry in action in September 1944 in Arnhem, the Netherlands.

On the 22nd September 1944, the above Sergeant with the assistance of another N.C.O. salvaged a 3" mortar which had been abandoned in no mans land. This they immediately brought into action against a concentration of enemy in their platoon front with great effect. Their position was soon spotted by the enemy who opened a heavy fire on them. However Sergeant Binnick continued to operate until his assistant was killed and the mortar destroyed. On the 23rd September 1944 a shell burst in the room in which he was directing operations, severely wounding him in the back and causing both his arms to become paralysed. Despite of this he continued to encourage his men and direct fire on the enemy, refusing to give up until he had led them (No.1 Platoon) back safely over the river on the night of 25th September 1944. His example, courage, though in great pain, encouraged his men in their arduous fight against almost overwhelming odds.