TIBBLES, Harry

Rank: 
Private
Unit / Base: 
6 Commando
12 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Border Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
3860540
Honours & Awards: 
Private Harry Tibbles, a Bren Gunner with No. 6 Commando,  was awarded the Military Medal for his gallantry near Lauenburg on the night of the 28th April 1945 during the period when his troop were responsible for the left flank of the bridgehead over the River Elbe.
Recommendation
"Near Lauenburg on the night 28/29 April, Pte Tibbles Troop was responsible for the left flank of the bridgehead over the River Elbe. As the troop advanced along the line of the river to its objective it was suddenly fired on by an MG from the top of the high bank on the inland side. The troop had no other alternative but to take cover in the angle of the bank as the beach was completely open.
Pte Tibbles was in the rear of the troop with his bren gun and immediately appreciating what was happening at the front he dashed up the slope calling to his No. 2 to follow him. The slope was 200 feet high and at a gradient of 1 in 2. Pte Tibbles when he reached the top worked his way along on the shadow side of a line of trees until he was immediately on top of the MG post which was still in the act of firing down on his troop. From here he killed all three of the MG team and enabled his troop to continue its advance.
By his own immediate initiative, determination and personal courage Pte Tibbles enabled the advance of his troop to continue and on his own liquidated a strong point that might have proved expensive."
  • 10 June 1944 wounded during operations at Normandy*.
  • The death of "Pte. Harry Tibbles (12 & 6 Cdos) of Radcliffe. Manchester", was announced in Commando Association newsletter 72 issued September 1981.
Sources
London Gazette 37204, page 3956.
National Archives file WO 373/55/957.
*Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/76.
 
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