YOUNG, Arthur

Rank: 
Lance Corporal
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Gordon Highlanders (The London Scottish)
Service: 
Army
Number: 
2880180
P.O.W. number: 
18761
Honours & Awards: 

Lance Corporal Arthur Young, 6 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished serviceduring the raid on St. Nazaire on the night of 27th March, 1942.  Embarking on board motor launch ML 192 he was captured after the raid and later imprisoned at Stalag V111(b). 
Recommendation
"L/Cpl. Arthur Young was a member of an assault party commanded by Capt. M.C. Burn of No.2 Commando. This party was on board an ML which caught fire, and exploded as a result of heavy enemy fire. Those of the party who were not killed were thrown into the River Loire, and proceeded to swim to the shore.
L/Cpl. Young, although wounded in the foot, was with some difficulty able to swim with the others. He saw Capt. Burn in difficulties and about to drown. L/Cpl. Young managed to grasp this officer by the hair and commence to haul him towards the shore.
The enemy was firing machine guns at the swimmers and L/Cpl. Young had to submerge several times to avoid being hit. He carried on and got Capt. Burn ashore. This officer recovered quickly and was able to join in the fighting.
L/Cpl. Young by his action and disregard of his own plight was largely responsible for saving Captain Burn's life."

Sources
London Gazette 37162, page 3494.
National Archives file WO373/46/296.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
St Nazaire Society 75th anniversary newsletter.
 

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