Hawkes, Geoffrey William
- Date of birth:
- January 1920
- Service number:
- 129367
- Nationality:
- British
Biography
He was also awarded G.S.M. (GVI) 2 clasps Palestine 1945-48, Cyprus
Promotions:
April 20th, 1940: 2nd Lieutenant: The Royal Sussex Regiment
? Lieutenant (war sub)
October 31st, 1945: Lieutenant
January 31st, 1947: Captain
January 31st, 1954: Major
October 3th, 1961: Lieutenant-Colonel The Parachute Regiment
March 25th, 1970: retirment
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Military Cross (MC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Temporary Captain
- Unit:
- 1st Battalion The Royal Sussex Regiment attached HQ 7th Indian Infantry Brigade
- Awarded on:
- July 8th, 1943
"As liaison officer for HQ 7th Indian infantry brigade attached top 1 Royal Sussex during the night 5/6th April 1943 for the attack on the Dj El Meida Hill, north-west of Wadi Akarit, at 0954 and on the anti-tank ditch defences at 106548.
From 0040 hours 6th April the Battalion was under very heavy mortar and machine gun fire throughout the night and Captain Hawkes coolness was an example to all ranks. Just before first light seeing that fire was still coming from the right of the Battalion’s objective he collected together a party of men, ordered them to fix bayonets and led them forward to clear the remainder of the objective.
This they did after some resistance and they captured several prisoners and a troop of 75mm guns. Captain Hawkes then assisted in getting these guns into action against the enemy and the right flank who were holding up the 50th Division attack. His party was then shelled and heavily fired on by machine guns. The latter he dealt with by rifle fire.
Captain Hawkes bravery, initiative, and leadership very materially contributed to the successful capture of the right of the Battalion’s objective which in turn prevented fire from the area being directed on the 50 Division attack."
Recommendation by Lt Col C E A Firth for an immediate award - approved by Montgomery.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Sources
- - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 34837 published on the 23 April 1940
- Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36083 published on the 6 July 1943
- Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37326 published on the 26 October 1945
- Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37355 published on the 16 November 1945
- Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37867 published on the 28 January 1947
- Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 40087 published on the 29 January 1954
- Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 42593 published on the 6 February 1962
- Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 45065 published on the 20 March 1970
- Bravo Medals
Photo
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