SIMPSON, Harold Leonard

Rank: 
Lance Corporal
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Gordon Highlanders
Service: 
Army
Number: 
2879581
P.O.W. number: 
18790
Honours & Awards: 
Born: 
Sunday, January 9, 1916
Died: 
1991
Place died: 
Essex

Lance Corporal Harold Simpson, 3 Troop, from Minehead, Somerset, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during the raid on St. Nazaire on the night of 27/28th March, 1942.  Embarked on HMS Campbeltown. Wounded and prisoner of war. Enlisted 17 January 1940. Civilian employment - Fitter Maintenance.
Recommendation
"L/Cpl Simpson displayed magnificent courage and devotion to duty in a small assault group whose task it was to destroy three enemy medium AA gun positions. These guns were silenced in very quick time and their crews destroyed, thus enabling the demolitions on land in the dry dock area to proceed. Throughout this action, L/Cpl Simpson's example was outstanding. "

Sources
London Gazette 37162, page 3494.
National Archives file WO373/46/295.
Prisoners of War, National Archives file WO392/1.
Dir. of Mil. Int.: Liberated Prisoner of War Interrogation Questionnaire 1945/6 / National Archives file WO344/288/2.
St Nazaire Society 75th anniversary newsletter.
 

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