BIRCHER, Cecil Arthur Douglas

Rank: 
Temporary Lieutenant
Unit / Base: 
41RM Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
South African United Defence Force
Honours & Awards: 
Lieutenant Cecil Bircher, S.A.U.D.F. attached to 1 RM Armoured Support Regiment, was awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service during operations on 6 June 1944 at Normandy [1][2][3]. He later served in 41RM Commando [4].
Recommendation
"Lt. Bircher was OC Tps in an LCT(A) carrying part of his Troop. The craft engines broke down and it was towed from a position of the Isle of Wight to the assault area by a LCT and LCI.
On 6 June 1944 when approaching the beach at Bernieres-sur-Mer these craft had to cast off the LCA which was left drifting sideways in a strong tide about 150yds from the beach.
Although there was a heavy sea running and the beach was still under close range fire, Lt. Bircher without hesitation plunged into the water and swam about 100 yds to the shore with the beach lines. 
On arrival at the beach he secured the lines to some stakes, enabling his craft to beach, and disembarked his section of Centaur Tanks. He subsequently led his section from the Canadian Sector in which he had landed into the sector of the 50th (N) Division to which he was attached although enemy opposition still persisted between the two sectors . Throughout the operation Lt. Bircher showed personal courage of the highest order and unflinching determination in the most adverse conditions to get his guns into action at the right time and place” [2].
 
  • October 1944 attached 1st RM Armoured Support Battery, RM Armoured Support Group [3].
  • January 1945 onwards attached 41RM Commando [4].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 36676, page 4008.
[2] National Archives file WO373/47/9.
[3] Navy Lists - Quarterly -1944 - October - Volume 2. (National Library of Scotland online).
[4] Navy Lists - Quarterly -1945 - January, April, and July - Volume 2. (National Library of Scotland online).
 

Ask Questions / Add Information / Add Photos

Use the Archive Forum for research enquiries, or to add information or photos. [register now]
Read some frequently asked questions here [FAQ's].
Contact the Archive via the [contact form].
 
All content is researched and administered by the Commando Veterans Archive.