Worsley, John

Date of birth:: May 25th, 1914 (Parish of St Peters/Salford/Lancashire, United Kingdom)
Buried on:: Commonwealth War Graves Waarmaarde
Grave: 11.
Service number:: 3446868
Nationality:: British

Biography

Before the war John Worsley worked as a core maker, then attested for service with the Regular British Army at Bury on 21st October 1933, joining as a Fusilier, the Lancashire Fusiliers.
Following the award of his MM, he featured with his officer (Captain J.H. Hudson) on the front cover of The War Illustrated for 12th April 1940.
When the Germans launched their invasion of France and the low countries on 10th May 1940, Worsley’s battalion was one of the very first in action, and it then began the retreat to Dunkirk, with Worsley being then killed in action on 21st May 1940. Worsley is buried in Waarmaarde Churchyard in Belgium.

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Military Medal (MM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Fusilier
Unit:: The Lancashire Fusiliers
Awarded on:: April 19th, 1940

Citation:
"On 19th/20th March, Fusilier Worsley was Second in Command of a Patrol consisting of an Officer and six men, which were moving to an objective some 2000 yards in front of our lines in the British Sector. During the patrol, a German Patrol of double the strength was sighted. This patrol was followed for a considerable way and, to engage it, the Officer in charge of our patrol divided his party into two portions, Fusilier Worsley taking command of one portion. The enemy patrol was engaged and dispersed, leaving five dead and a wounded prisoner, who was carried back to our line by Fusilier Worsley. The latter’s personal bravery and coolness and his leadership of half the patrol contributed largely to the success gained."