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Green, Edward John

Date of death:
February 4th, 1944
Buried on:
Commonwealth War Cemetery Anzio
Plot: III. Row: E. Grave: 11.
Service number:
89308
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Major
Unit:
10th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment, 168th (London) Infantry Brigade, 56th (London) Infantry Division, British Army
Awarded on:
June 15th, 1944
"On the evening of the 21st January 1944 on the DAMIANO Ridge, Major Green was in command of his Company which advanced and captured some 35 Germans who were defending Point 411 highest point of DAMIANO Ridge key position of the Corps line. Major Green went up with his leading platoon and completely disregarding the enemy intense MG fire, advanced towards the German Company HQ the location of which he knew beforehand. On approaching, he was met by a vicious burst of MG fire from the HQ. Intent on obtaining all possible information, he advanced and himself threw 2 grenades which killed 2 Germans, and ordered the others to give themselves up in German. With the utmost determination and bravery, he walked up to the remaining Germans and when they still resisted, killed yet another, and captured 7.

During the whole of this time, heavy fire was also coming from positions in rear of the German HQ. With little or no cover, he managed to secure valuable documents which prove of great value later. He then set about organizing the mopping up of the area where enemy posts were still resisting. This he successfully accomplished, moving fearlessly amongst his platoons on the bare and open slopes. Throughout the whole of the attack and subsequently while in occupation of the positions, Major Green displayed the very greatest gallantry under continual fire - some of the worst yet experienced by the Battalion. This action is in keeping with this Officer's gallantry, devotion to duty and disregard of personal safety throughout the whole of the Italian campaign."

Posthumously awarded
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Sources

Photo