"During the attack on Trig 29 at Miteiriya Ridge on the night of the
25th - 26th October 1942, the Company to which Private Gratwick belonged
met with severe opposition from strong enemy positions which delayed
the capture of the Company`s objective and caused a considerable number
of casualties. Private Gratwick`s Platoon was directed at these strong
positions but its advance was stopped by intense enemy fire at short
range. Withering fire of all kinds killed the platoon commander, the
platoon sergeant and many other ranks, and reduced the total strength of
the Platoon to seven. Private Gratwick grasped the seriousness of the situation and acting
on his own initiative, with utter disregard for his own safety, at a
time when the remainder of the Platoon were pinned down, charged the
nearest post and completely destroyed the enemy with hand grenades,
killing amongst others a complete mortar crew. As soon as this task was
completed, and again under heavy machine-gun fire, he charged the
second post with rifle and bayonet.
It was from this post that the heaviest fire had been directed. He
inflicted further casualties and was within striking distance of his
objective, when he was killed by a burst of machine-gun fire. By his
brave and determined action, which completely unnerved the enemy, and by
his successful reduction of the enemy`s strength, Private Gratwick`s
Company was able to move forward and mop up its objective. Private
Gratwick`s unselfish courage, his gallant and determined efforts
against the heaviest opposition changed a doubtful situation into the
successful capture of his Company`s final objective."
From Pvt. Gratwick's Victoria Cross citation, awarded on January, 26 1943.
May you be at peace,
Brian
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