| 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment 1944-45 - Awards and Citations |
| Sergeant William Francis JENNINGS (4982401) In August 1944 Sergeant Bill Jennings was recommended for an Immediate Military Medal by the Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Col. R. E. Osborne-Smith. Military Medal (London Gazette 1st March 1945) Citation: “This NCO has been in command of a Platoon during the last six weeks. On 1st August 1944 he was leading the Company when the battalion was doing an advance to contact operation South of CAHAGNES. This Company was also leading Company. The objective had been reached after rearguard skirmishes and a carrier which had gone in ahead about ¼ mile to recce a bridge, was knocked out by a light Anti-Tank Gun, the personnel either being killed or wounded. Sergeant Jennings, his Platoon already on their objective, took two men and assaulted the gun positions with grenades and automatic fire. He led this with such dash that the enemy took to their heels leaving one dead behind them and two Anti-Tank Guns. Sergeant JENINGS then went on to complete the reconnaissance started by the Carrier and reported in clean of the enemy and mines, thus enabling the immediate advance of motorised units behind to pass through. He also brought the two guns back to our own lines.” Background: Bill Jennings was from London. He joined the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment in Normandy in July 1944. He was given command of 9 Platoon, ‘A’ Company, due to the shortage of officers as a result of early casualties. On the 16th August 1944, he was granted an Immediate Emergency Commission from the ranks to 2nd Lieutenant (338180) and continued to command 9 Platoon. During early evening of the 25th August 1944 whilst leading his platoon across the damaged road bridge at Vernon he was severely wounded in his hand from a booby trap egg grenade on the bridge. After treatment he was evacuated on the 27th August 1944. |
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