- SURNAME
McNinch
- FORENAME
William Matthew
- UNIT
Special Raiding Squadron (2 Troop)
- RANK
Lance Sergeant
- NUMBER
327865
- DATE OF DEATH
5th October 1943
- AGE
31
- GRAVESITE
Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy X.C.39
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent unit Royal Armoured Corps
born 19.06.1912 Renfrewshire
son of James and Elizabeth Bridget McNinch, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire
bank manager in Glasgow in civilian life
award M.M.
1 SAS (A Squadron) 1943
SRS 1943
Op.Devon - KIA Termoli
DATE OF DEATH:
05-Oct-1943AWARD:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/mcninch-william-matthew.29041/CITATION:
Military Medal : On the morning of 4th September 1943 Sgt. McNinch's sub section moved up the road leading Northwards from Bagnara and although under mortar and machine gun fire got to within two hundred yards of the enemy who were in concealed positions. Sgt. McNinch controlling his sub section with great coolness.
Later the enemy brought up another machine gun which completely overlooked the sub section's position. In spite of this Sgt. McNinch gave very valuable help in observing the enemy and locating his position and although every movement brought down enemy fire he continued to move forward encouraging his sub section and controlling the fire of his Bren with great effect. Later when the Bren gunner was wounded he assessed his wounds regardless of the heavy enemy fire.
When for a time his sub section were completely pinned to the ground he continued to encourage his men and take steps for their safety moving about regardless of his own safety.
Throughout he was a very fine example of coolness and efficiency in action.
Later the enemy brought up another machine gun which completely overlooked the sub section's position. In spite of this Sgt. McNinch gave very valuable help in observing the enemy and locating his position and although every movement brought down enemy fire he continued to move forward encouraging his sub section and controlling the fire of his Bren with great effect. Later when the Bren gunner was wounded he assessed his wounds regardless of the heavy enemy fire.
When for a time his sub section were completely pinned to the ground he continued to encourage his men and take steps for their safety moving about regardless of his own safety.
Throughout he was a very fine example of coolness and efficiency in action.
WEB LINKS:
• https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7348916FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55913846/william-matthew-mcninch_mmSERVICE HISTORY:
Name: W M McNinch . Service number: 327865 . Date of birth: 19 June 1912 . | The National Archives
The official archive of the UK government. Our vision is to lead and transform information management, guarantee the survival of today's information for tomorrow and bring history to life for everyone.
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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