"For most conspicuous gallantry on the 21st May 1940, when his company
was holding a position on the line of the River Escaut, south of
Tournai. After a prolonged attack, the enemy succeeded in breaking
through beyond the company's right flank which was consequently
threatened. Company Sergeant-Major Gristock having organized a party of
eight riflemen from company headquarters, went forward to cover the
right flank. Realizing that an enemy machine-gun had moved forward to a
position from which it was inflicting heavy casualties on his company,
Company Sergeant-Major Gristock went on, with one man as connecting
file, to try to put it out of action. Whilst advancing, he came under
heavy machine-gun fire from the opposite bank and was severely wounded
in both legs, his right knee being badly smashed. He nevertheless gained
his fire position, some twenty yards from the enemy machine-gun post,
undetected, and by well aimed rapid fire killed the machine-gun crew of
four and put their gun out of action. He then dragged himself back to
the right flank position from which he refused to be evacuated until
contact with the battalion on the right had been established and the
line once more made good. By his gallant action, the position of the company was secured, and many
casualties prevented. Company Sergeant-Major Gristock has since died of
his wounds."
From Sgt. Maj. Gristock's Victoria Cross citation, awarded on August 23, 1940.
May you be at peace,
Brian
A painting of Gristock's action.
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