Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

Infantry (Glasgow)

Awarded on:

September 30th, 1943

Reccommendation:
"On 21st June 1943 this officer commanded a Fighting Patrol which was operating in conjunction with a Company of the 4/5th Mahratta Light Infantry in the area YETAGUB RP-8745. This area was thought to be held by a force of from 50 to 80 Japanese Imperial Army. Lieut. Gunn was ordered to carry out an encircling movement trough difficult and unreconnoitered jungle with the object of attacking the enemy in the rear while the Maharattas put in a frontal attack.

By skilful leadership he arrived with his force intact at the appointed place and at the appointed time. Having placed his small force in a commanding position overlooking the enemy's Bashas and defensive positions he, with three men went into the officers quarters to search for enemy and to secure identifications. A Jap officer was shot by this party when he was about to throw a grenade and his body was mutilated and a number of papers were detroyed. Lieut. Gunn however quickly secured a map case containing important information and then withdrew to join his patrol as the Japanese were now attacking.

Three times the enemy charged with fixed Bayonets each charge being in increasing numbers and were beaten off on each occasion with heavy casualties though coming within twenty yards of the Patrol.
Lieut Gunn showed initative of a high order, set an example to his men of inspiring leadership and great tenacity of purpose when faced by an unshaken enemy in greatly superior numbers. He showed excellent judgement in extricating his patrol at the right moment. His patrol of 1 B.O. and 12 B.O. Rs killed 3 Jappanese Officers and at least 46 men and wounded quite a number out of an approximate strength of 200 enemy. The total casulaties inflicted on the enemy by the combined patrols are estimated to be not less than 50 - 55"

WO 373/30/73
LG 35157/4347

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

Infantry (Glasgow, S.1)

Awarded on:

June 28th, 1945

Recommendation:
"During the course of the operations against the enemy from April to June 1944, this young pl. comd distinguished himself on many occasions. He was the ideal pl comd showing initiative, courage, and ability of the highest order. He enjoyed the complete confidence of all the men under him ans under his inspiring leadership the pl acquitted itself with great credit. Lieut. Gunn was always the first volunteer for a patrol involving danger and arduous going. It was typical of him to volunteer to go trough a JAP rd block which had been established itself between the bn and two Coys which had been acting independently behind the JAP on the SHONGPHEL track on 30 April 44. The Coys were out of contact, wireless having failed through exhausted batteries. It was imperative to breach the JAP rd block and get trough to these Coys with information. Lieut. Gunn set out with 6 other ranks. When he reached the block after detailed personal recce., he left the rest of the patrol in observation while he himself and one other man worked round the block under cover of the jungle and proceeded to contact the rifle coys some distance behind. It was very dark and he did not locate the coys until dawn. By the time he had guided them back to the block, it was found that harassed for hours by the remainder of of the patrol, the enemy had disappeared in the night, and the coys were therefore able to rejoin the remainder of the bn about mid-day next day. It was entirely due to Lieut. Gunn's ability to win trough, his resourcefulness, and disregard of personal danger as well as his determination that a critical situation was saved. These Coys were out of contact, without rations and had several wounded men on their hands. Again on 29 May 44, at SORAGGY, Lieut. Dunn showed the same courage, determination, leadership and devotion to duty. "D" Coy in which Lieut. Gunn was a pl. Comd was holding the forward trenches on the forward slope, whith the JAP occupying the reverse slope, in very close proximity. It was acknowledged that a wire obstacle was necessary to prevent the JAP rushing the forward trenches. About 1645 hrs Lieut. Gunn with his pl went forward to attempt to put the wire in position, and whilst they were engaged in this operation the JAPS charged with grenades, and small arms fire. Lieut Gunn showed great collness and gallantry, keeping control of the situation, he repulsed the attack and got his men safely back to the trenches at the same time inflicting losses on the enemy. He himself was the last to come in and was a target for a shower of grenades. He saw one grenade heading straight for a trench full of men, and though wounded by this time, with commendable courage, he deflected the grenade by catching it with his hands. At the same time he himself received further wounds. There is no doubt that but for the gallantry of this officer many men would have been hurt. It was an act showing great courage and thoughtfulness for others."

Second MC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first MC.
WO 373/39/33
LG 37151/3381