- SURNAME
Thorpe
- FORENAME
Percy Roy
- UNIT
2 SAS
- RANK
Sergeant
- NUMBER
6844525
- AWARD
Military Medal
- PLACE
Normandy 1944
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent unit Army Air Corps
KIA 19.4.1945 - see Roll of Honour
ROLL OF HONOUR:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/thorpe-percy-roy.2843/CITATION:
Military Medal : Sgt. Thorpe was dropped by parachute in the EASTERN VOSGES on 21/22 September with other reinforcements. With a party of 5 other ranks he was ordered to destroy the railway line between ST. DIE and SAALES which was being continually used by the enemy and as a secondary task any transport on the neighbouring roads. Sgt. Thorpe made his way to his objective through an area which was highly populated with the enemy. In spite of finding the railway strongly guarded at the point chosen he personally placed the charges on the line. They were heard to detonate four hours later when a train was heard on the line. Turning his attention to the roads, four mines were laid on one night all of which went off - four were laid in another area which again detonated and local inhabitants reported that 5 vehicles had been destroyed or damaged.
Later, having rejoined the main base on the 29 September four jeeps which were concealed were found and attacked by approximately a company of the enemy. Sgt. Thorpe with one other man succeeded in preventing the capture of the jeeps, remaining with them and firing the MG's continually for over an hour. The enemy temporarily withdrew in the face of Sgt. Thorpe's fire. When joined by others from the main base this NCO succeeded in extricating the jeeps and taking them to a place of safety.
On this and other operations Sgt. Thorpe has shown himself to possess the highest courage coupled with gifts of leadership and determination. His actions deserve the highest praise.
Later, having rejoined the main base on the 29 September four jeeps which were concealed were found and attacked by approximately a company of the enemy. Sgt. Thorpe with one other man succeeded in preventing the capture of the jeeps, remaining with them and firing the MG's continually for over an hour. The enemy temporarily withdrew in the face of Sgt. Thorpe's fire. When joined by others from the main base this NCO succeeded in extricating the jeeps and taking them to a place of safety.
On this and other operations Sgt. Thorpe has shown himself to possess the highest courage coupled with gifts of leadership and determination. His actions deserve the highest praise.
FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18487105/percy-roy-thorpeNATIONAL ARCHIVES:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C9151636SERVICE HISTORY:
Name: S R Thorpe . Service number: 6844525 . Date of birth: 1 December 1911 . | The National Archives
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discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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