WRAITH, William

Known as: 
Bill
Rank: 
Lance Sergeant
Unit / Base: 
6 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Service: 
Army
Number: 
4698570
Died : 
Thursday, January 5, 1961
William Wraith MM 6 Commando
Lance Sergeant William 'Bill' Wraith, 1 Troop [1], was awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe during which period he had been wounded on several occasions [2][2a][3]. 
Recommendation
"This NCO has served with No. 6 Commando throughout the North African and NW European campaigns and has at all times shown the highest standard of devotion to duty and exemplary courage. During the recent advance towards the River Elbe, Sgt Wraith was in charge of a patrol sent forward to gain information about the enemy. On his return a mortar bomb fell close to his patrol seriously wounding one man and inflicting blast injuries on himself which affected his sight.
With his sight failing he nevertheless returned and carried back the wounded man to our own lines under mortar fire. He then reported to the Intelligence Officer, and in spite of his grave condition, insisted on giving detailed reports of his patrol before being evacuated.
During the period 12 Jan to 15 Apr, Sgt Wraith has been on 23 patrols many of which he commanded, and on all of them he has shown the greatest example and devotion to duty. On three separate occasions he has been wounded but in spite of this he has always continued to show complete fearlessness and a splendid example to his men in action."[2a].
  • 1943 Mentioned in Despatches in "recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa" whilst attached to No 6 Commando." [4].
Sources
[1] Commando Association newsletter 23 of Sept 1956.
[2]  London Gazette 37302, page 5002.
[2a] Award Recommendations / National Archives file WO373/55/303.
[3] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/78 and WO417/88.
[4] London Gazette 36180, page 4228.
[Image] His son Brian Wraith-Motier.
 

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