Young, Sydney Charles Wayman

Date of death:: September 23rd, 1944
Buried on:: Commonwealth War Cemetery Jonkerbos
Plot: 1. Row: F. Grave: 2.
Service number:: 90837
Nationality:: British

Biography

`Dawn broke on the 22nd September with a heavy mist hanging over the Waal. Profiting by it, two troops of the 2 Household Cavalry Regiment, succeeded in slipping through by way of the Bund to the Neder Rijn. The third troop, however, clashed with an enemy tank which knocked out the leading armoured car and incidentally drove Brigader Essame in his Jeep, off the Bund. Closely behind came the Vanguard Company, D Company of the 7 Somerset Light Infantry, under Major Sidney Young, followed by the remainder of the battalion. Enemy Infantry and a tank now came to life on the southern fringes of the village of Oosterhout and pinned the leading platoon to the ground. Major Sidney Young in making his reconnaissance was mortally wounded. Thus passed one of the best and bravest company commanders of a Division even more than usually fortunate in the high standards of officers of his rank`.

Major, Somerset Light Infantry, 7th Bn.

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Military Cross (MC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Major
Unit:: 7th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert's), 214th Infantry Brigade, 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division, British Army
Awarded on:: October 19th, 1944

Citation:
" Major S.C.W. Young, 7 Som Li On 2 Jul 44 at Tourville this officer led a composite battle patrol of infantry, carriers, Anti-Tank Guns and 3-inch Mortars to obtain information of enemy disposition in Verson and Jemeaux. Throughout the operation he showed great initiative and skill in handling the force under his command and penetrating 3 miles into enemy territory, obtained valuable information of concealed enemy MG and Mortar emplacements which had been harassing our own positions. in addition to wounding or killing six of the enemy, the patrol was able to give information which subsequently enabled our troops to be more suitably disposed for a forthcoming operation. Throughout the operation his confidence and personal bravery inspired his men in accomplishing a bold venture with outstanding success. "