HEAD, Charles Searle

Rank: 
Captain (later Honorary Major)
Unit / Base: 
3 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Artillery
Service: 
Army
Number: 
74290
Born: 
Saturday, February 9, 1907
Died : 
Sunday, January 31, 1982
Place died: 
Helston, Cornwall
Age: 
74
Charles Head 3 Commando
Acting Captain Charles Head was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service on the night of 13/14 July 1943, after landing at Agnone and during the advance to Malati, Sicily.
Recommendation
On the night of 13/14 July 1943, after the landing at Agnone and during the advance to Punta Dei Malati, Captain Head was all the time moving up and down the column exposing himself under fire leading and encouraging the men.
At Punta Del Malati under heavy Mortar, MG, and Shell fire, he walked continually in the open from Post to Post, delivering messages and sighting weapons. He was badly wounded but although unable to walk continued to assist in the withdrawal arrangements. He sent on the men assisting him, so as to avoid having them captured.
While lying in the open for the next 5 or 6 hours he kept advising and directing parties he saw. After being captured he kept up the spirits of those with him and endeavoured to organise their escape. Later he was recaptured by our troops. Captain Head was also outstanding on the night of 9/10 July during the attack on the Cassibile Battery. 
  • 11 October 1945 relinquished commission on the grounds of disability, granted the honorary rank of Major.
Sources
[MC] London Gazette 36217, page 4661.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/5.
[Citation] National Archives file WO373/3/527.
[Hon. Rank] London Gazette 37303, page 5017.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 74 (1982).
[Image]  Credit: Greenhill Books (Pen & Sword).
 

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