HAUSMANN, Fritz Sigmund
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Known as:
HOUSEMAN, Fred
Rank:
Lance Corporal
Unit / Base:
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Army Service Corps
Service:
Army
Number:
PAL/ 1344
Honours & Awards:
Born:
Wednesday, April 27, 1921
Fritz Sigmund Hausmann was born in Bingen Am Rhein, April 27th 1921. He was a German Jew who at age 13, fled Germany alone and went to school in Palestine. When he was of age he enlisted and did his basic training in Sarafend, Palestine and he then joined the 462 RASC. On May 1st, 1943 he was on board the Erinpura, which was attacked and sunk in the Mediterranean with heavy loss of life. Having survived the sinking, he joined No. 2 Commando in the autumn and took part in the invasion of Salerno. He went for training on Monte Volturno and subsequently went to the Island of Vis, Yugoslavia where most of his operations were until he was severely wounded in Albania. [1]
He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. [2]
Citation
In the Commando raid on Brac Island on the night of 5 March 1944, Driver Hausmann was the leading scout of the section which carried out this raid. The section was seen approaching and two sentries opened fire with schmeiser automatics which pinned them to the ground. Driver Hausmann dashed forward firing his T.S.M.G. and killed one sentry, but the other ran into the house. Hausmann followed, kicked open the door and threw in a hand grenade. When it exploded, he dashed in shouting to the Germans to surrender, and having killed one and wounded two more, the remaining five men gave themselves up.On the morning of 19 March during the Commando attack on Solta Island, the behaviour of this man was exemplary. In the forefront of the final assualt on the village, he led a small group of men in house-clearing in an area where the German garrison was holding out, and during this operation severely wounded a German who was holding up the advance with a Spandau M.G. which was mounted in an upper window.
Driver Hausmann is a Palestinian of German origin serving in the Commando. He has taken part in three Commando raids in these islands during the last six weeks, and in each of these his behaviour has been outstandingly bold and aggressive. He insists on being the leading scout on all approaches by day or night and is not content to await his turn for this duty. He has set a magnificent example and his conduct under fire is in the highest traditions of the Army. On the 11th January 1945 it was announced that he had received a MiD in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy. [3] Sources [1] His daughter Renee Bradley. [2] London Gazette 36615, page 3376 [3] London Gazette 36886, page 332.
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
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