MILITARY MEDAL (GVI)
5th Battalion
GRENADIER GUARDS
(ANZIO BRIDGEHEAD )
1939-45 Star, Africa Star (8th Army Clasp) Italy Star, Defence & War Medals
To:
2620653. Guardsman W. HEATH. 5th Bn (9th Platoon) Grenadier Guards.
A superb and classic "ANZIO BRIDGEHEAD" M.M. to a crack line unit, won during the famous "Victoria Cross" action where this unit's Commanding Officer, Major William Sidney gained his V.C.
(Note): The action described in the citation for Major Sidney's V.C. closely follows the details in the recommendation of William Heath's M.M. as both soldiers were clearly entrenched within the same few yards fighting off the same fierce German defences in fierce hand to hand combat.)
'William Heath was from Woodcote, Reading, Berkshire and as a member of 5th Bn Grenadier Guards he took part in some of the most fierce fighting of World War II in North Africa and Italy. Indeed, in the action at Anzio for which he was awarded this M.M. he apparently accounted for a total of no less than 25 Germans, with 15 of the enemy being killed in Heath's first Bren gun assault'.
As part of the 24th Guards Infantry Brigade, the 5th Bn served in North Africa as part of the 1st Army in the Tunisian campaign
Landing at "PETER BEACH" (6 miles North of Anzio) he and his unit encountered fierce resistance from the German Army.
CITATION/RECOMMENDATION for MILITARY MEDAL
(London Gazette 15th June 1944)
"During the ANZIO Bridgehead operations this Gdsm was a Bren gunner in No.9 Platoon and was consistently an inspiration and example to the Platoon.
On one occasion while the platoon was being very heavily engaged he kept his Bren gun firing with such good effect that an enemy platoon threatening the flank was completely broken up; fifteen being killed.
Later, during a night of persistent German attacks, he moved out of his slit trench in order to bring fire on to the enemy crawling towards the positions.
Only complete disregard of personal safety enabled this Gdsm to produce such effective results with his gun.
On another occasion, the night of Feb 9th, Gdsm Heath again was largely responsible for breaking up two attacks on his platoon by his coolness and extreme skill with which he handled his Bren gun".
A superb and classic gallantry decoration awarded for one of the most famous actions of World War II ....Fit for inclusion in the finest collection.
ALL the medals are in "GEM MINT STATE" with their original unfolded ribbons the MM being on its original pin having never been worn by Guardsman Heath. Both orignal boxes are included as is the ORIGINAL citation / recommendation letter which was sent to Heath's mother along with a letter of congratulation. Original letter of dispatch to Heath also included.
TWO NEW PICTURES OF GUARDSMAN HEATH KINDLY SUPPLIED BY HIS FAMILY.
(Enjoying a day in the park and a ice cream with his grand daughter!)
SOLD