Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

2nd Parachute battalion, 1st Airlanding Brigade, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

November 30th, 1943

Awarded for:

Operation Husky

Citation:
"For saving the life of a non-swimmer when the glider crashed into the sea during the Sicily campaign of July 1943."
"Lieutenant Brownscombe was a passenger in a glider which landed in the sea about five miles from the coast. All members of the glider crew and passengers got out on to the wings. The glider sank in a very few minutes and it was found that a soldier was unable to swim and was in grave danger of drowning. Lieutenant Brownscombe stayed with this man and kept him afloat for five hours until they were both picked up by a boat. Lieutenant Brownscombe then tried to get put ashore, when permission was refused he insisted on helping in the treatment of the wounded and carried on without rest until this task was completed."

LG 36265/5229.