Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 5 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, Combined Operations Headquarters, War Office, British Government

Awarded on:

July 5th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Chariot

"On the 28th March, during the Commando Raid at ST. NAZAIRE, Lieut. Burtenshaw commanded a demolition party whose task it was to carry out the destruction of the Dry Dock Installations. When HMS CAMPBELTOWN rammed the Dry Dock Gates, this officer led his party through the burning bows of the destroyer on to the dock gates. The enemy fire was intense and it was necessary to pass through heavily defended posts to get to his task. Armed with only a colt automatic, and carrying a rucksack, full of his prepared explosive charges, Lieut. Burtenshaw led his men against the heavy opposition, and largely due to his leadership, courage and devotion to duty the party overcame the enemy and continued on to their task.

Lieut. Burtenshaw gave his life in this fighting, but his example had an untold/moral effect on his men who carried out their demolition task with complete success."

Posthumously awarded