THOMSON, John

Rank: 
Lance Sergeant
Unit / Base: 
9 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Service: 
Army
Number: 
3190591
Lance Corporal John Thomson was wounded three times the first being on 30 December 1943 during Operation Partridge. Promoted Lance Sergeant he was wounded a second time on 19 March 1944 and awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service at Anzio. He was wounded a third time on 15 April 1945 during operations at Lake Comacchio, Italy.
DCM Recommendation
"Ref Map-Italy 1/25,000 Sheet 158 IV SE.
During the operation carried out by this unit in Wadis in square 8230 on 19 March 1944, this NCO commanded two Bren LMGs. which were sited well forward of his Troop main positions.
At one stage his post was attacked by a party of 10 Boche, who attacked from a dominating position and under cover of strong support from LMGs and rifle grenades.
L/C Thomson was wounded in this attack, and one of his LM Gunners killed, but he took over this Bren himself and his small force of 4 men succeeded in driving off the Boche attack, killing two and wounding several more.
Later in the day, although still wounded, he and his other LMG covered the movement of his Troop by holding off a strong Boche counter-attack, which, had it been successful, would have turned the flank of the whole unit position.
Throughout the entire action, Thomson was unable to move from his position owing to accurate enemy sniping which inflicted heavy casualties on the rest of his troop and after he had been wounded he refused to allow attempts to be made to evacuate him owing to the danger to the stretcher-bearers.
In spite of his wound and although being under continuous rifle, LMG and grenade fire, he maintained his 2 LMGs in position in a most determined manner, and it was entirely due to his complete control of the situation while giving covering fire to his Troop that it was able to take up new positions, which in turn covered the successful withdrawal of the whole force.
Throughout the action this NCO displayed a remarkably high standard of leadership, and his personal courage, determination and disregard for his wound set a magnificent example to all ranks."
 
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/70, WO417/74, and WO417/91.
London Gazette 36615, page 3376.
National Archives file WO373/6/528.
 

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.