| Surname: | Birch |
| Initials: | G E |
| Rank: | Corporal A/Sgt |
| Army Number: | 2655685 |
| Notes: | CMP. From York. 5/9/1931 he enlisted in the Coldstream Guards at Leeds for 4/8 years, born 2/11/1913 at Wighill, Yorkshire, occupation Labourer, 25/3/1940 transferred to CMP. 4/3/46 to discharge. War Diary 4 Indian Div Pro Coy WO 169/18788. 1/5/44 Sgt Birch of this unit awarded MM, this being the second such award to this unit for the Casino Action. George Edward Birch. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Military Medal (London Gazette: 36615 Page: 3377 July 20, 1944) |
| Citation: | Military Medal Citation>ItalyA Company of 760 US Tank Battalion comprising 17 Stuart tanks, one platoon of 105mm guns and Honey tanks of the 7 Brigade Recce Squadron were ordered to concentrate in the hills at a place called MADRAS circus by first light March 12. It was considered too dangerous to allow the column to proceed via VILLA, and the task of routing the tanks from MICHELE against the traffic circuit to CAIRO and thence to MADRAS circus was assigned to Sgt Birch. Sgt Birch made a preliminary recce of the route he intended to take by jeep on the evening 11 March, and although shelling was heavy in the CAIRO area pressed on to MADRAS circus and thence back to the tank staging area at MICHELE. During his journey he was hit by a shell fragment. However at 0300hrs on the morning of the 12 March he led the tanks from MICHELE, successfully policed the whole column to CAIRO and thence to MADRAS circus. The noise of the tanks eventually brought down enemy shellfire. Sgt Birch drove the only soft skinned vehicle of the column, and only by complete disregard for his personal safety was he able to complete his task. Shortly after, he left company HQ to Command 5 Brigade Pro Det and his unflinching steadfastness by day and night in the hills was an inspiration to all those who worked under him.Awarded an immediate MM which was recommended by the Commander 4 Indian Division. National Archive WO 373/6. |