HORSFIELD, Harry

Rank: 
Marine (Acting Temporary Sergeant)
Unit / Base: 
47RM Commando
Prior Police Service: 
Lancashire Constabulary
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Marines
Service: 
Royal Navy
Number: 
PO/X115384
Honours & Awards: 
Born: 
Friday, February 16, 1917
Harry Horsfield 47RM Commando
Sergeant Harry Horsfield was awarded the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished service during a raid against enemy forward defence lines East of Sallenelles, Normandy [1][2].
Prior to joining the Armed Forces he had been a Lancashire Police Constable residing at 8 Boardman Street, Eccles [3][4].
Award Recommendation [2]
"Sgt Horsfield was a volunteer for a raid on the enemy FDLs East of Sallenelles during the early morning of 23 July. The enemy had been in position for at least six weeks and his defences were well prepared and covered with wire and mines.
Sgt Horsfield was the senior NCO of a small patrol led by Lt Collett who had been ordered to sweep to the left on reaching the enemy FDLs. When about 50yds from the enemy FDLs, Lt Collett trod on a mine and became a casualty. Surprise was lost and the enemy opened heavy automatic fire aided by flares.
Sgt Horsfield immediately took command of the unwounded members of his party, who were considerably shaken, led them forward and by his fearless example restored their confidence. In the darkness the finding and searching of enemy weapon slits was very difficult, but not content to return empty handed, Sgt Horsfield presevered, the whole time under heavy automatic and mortar fire. His party captured and returned with an officer prisoner.
He later returned with Lt. O'Brien and assisted in carrying his own seriously wounded clear of enemy minefields to safety".
Extract from the Burnley Express 25 November 1944
Sergeant Harry Horsfield, a former Nelson Secondary School boy, has been awarded the Military Medal for service in Europe. Sergeant Horsfield, previous to joining the Commandos, was a Lancashire County Constable stationed at Eccles. He went to Normandy on DDay and also took part in the Walcheren Island invasion, where he received wounds in the face from shrapnell from which he is now recovering in hospital.
 
Sources
[1] London Gazette 36846, page 5809 and London Gazette 36895, page 421 (errata in spelling of surname).
[2] Award recommendations / National Archives file WO373/47/31.
[3] The 1939 Register covering Eccles.
[4] Burnley Express newspaper 25 Nov. 1944.
[Image] Cropped from CVA Gallery photo of 47RM Commando 'B' troop March 1944.
 

Ask Questions / Add Information / Add Photos

Use the Archive Forum for research enquiries, or to add information or photos. [register now]
Read some frequently asked questions here [FAQ's].
Contact the Archive via the [contact form].
 
All content is researched and administered by the Commando Veterans Archive.