Name: |
ANDERSON |
Given Name: |
GEORGE SKELTON |
Initials: |
G S |
Service No: |
2316 |
Rank: |
LieutenantOther Casualties of this Rank |
Regiment: |
Royal Durban Light Infantry, S.A. Forces |
Unit: |
1st Bn.Other Casualties from this Unit |
Unit 2: |
"C" Coy.Other Casualties from this Unit |
Date of Death: |
1942-08-21Other Casualties on this
Date |
Date of Birth: |
1916-09-14 |
Age: |
25 |
Cause of Death: |
Killed in action, on a special coordinated patrol with artillery support, in the vicinity of El Alamein. One German POW was captured from a strongpoint |
Decorations: |
M C |
Citations: |
LG Sup 24 February 1942 pg. 845 - "For conspicuous gallantry and leadership while in command of his platoon. On 19 December 1941 Lieut. Anderson was ordered to capture an enemy machine gun post which was found to be strongly held by the enemy, in the frontier area Halfaya. In face of heavy artillery and machine gun fire, Lieut. Anderson at 1330 hours personally went forward through an enemy minefield surrounding the post with the leading section of his platoon and directed the attack in full view of the enemy with a complete disregard for his own safety. The post was eventually captured after hand-to-hand fighting, numerous casualties being inflicted on the enemy and P.O.W. taken. The platoon held the position until dusk in the face of heavy fire from enemy machine guns, field artillery and repeated attacks by several enemy tanks, the latter being unable to reach the position owing to the minefield. At dusk Lieut. Anderson personally with the assistance of No. 2650 Pte. Clark carried one of his men who was badly wounded through the minefield to an armoured car which had approached to within some 400 yards. He and Pte. Clark then returned to the occupied position and under cover of darkness successfully withdrew the whole platoon together with all the prisoners having previously destroyed or rendered unserviceable all the enemy guns in the position." |
Additional
Information: |
Son of George Skelton and Benigna Anderson (nee Martiarena), of Parmachenee Lodge, Isipingo Beach, Natal. Born Durban. Studying to work in a museum. He was unmarried. |
This information was last verified for accuracy: 2021-04-07
