| Surname: | Gordon |
| Initials: | T |
| Rank: | WOI (RSM) |
| Army Number: | 2692809 |
| Notes: | CMP. 28/3/1928 he enlisted in the Scots Guards for 3/9 years, 12/3/1909 born Durham, occupation Bricklayer, 17/3/1931 to Army Reserve, 3/1/1940 transferred to CMP. 7/1/46 Discharged. RSM R Pro Coy later RSM 1 Armd Div Pro Coy. War Diary 'R' Pro Coy, WO 170/3585. 20/10/44. Cpl Leyland shot in stomach at checkpoint by US Army Negro absentees. (See MID citation below for rest of story.) 24/8/48 he was awarded the 1939-1949 Star, Italy Star, Defence & War Medals, MID. Note:- Italy 12/12/43 - 19/10/45. Address:- Police Station, Thornhill, Cumberland. Thomas Gordon. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Mention in Despatches (London Gazette: 37368 Page: 5829 Nov. 29, 1945) |
| Citation: | Italy. MID Citation. On the night of 30 Oct 44, and NCO of the Corps of Military Police was shot in the stomach when on duty on Route 6. The shooting was carried out by three absentees in a stolen vehicle. These men also kidnapped a Military Policeman who had been on duty at the same time. The Company was turned out to apprehend these men. RSM GORDON and L/Cpl GREGSON were first to leave in pursuit. They were informed that the vehicle had gone NORTH and learned that the MP had thrown himself from the stolen vehicle while the absentees were threatening to murder him. At approximately 5 miles along Route 6, RSM GORDON noticed and overturned vehicle on the left of the road. He stopped, and both he and LCpl GREGSON alighted to investigate. As they did so, they were fired upon from the right hand side of the road. Appreciating that these fugitives might be on both sides of the road the WO and NCO regained their vehicle and reversed some 15 yards to a better position. From here, they returned fire of the absentees in an effort to pin them down and so prevent them leaving the area before further police arrived, and also to prevent the armed men reaching their vehicle which might have contained more ammunition. When his own ammunition was expended, RSM GORDON proceeded to seek reinforcements, ordered LCpl GREGSON to maintain the position. Both the WO and NCOwere fully aware that the three absentees were desperate men and that they had the advantage of cover. In the moonlight, any movement on the road could plainly be seen, and it was not known what type of arms the absentees were using. By their prompt action, disregard of personal risk and determination,they succeeded in holding one absentee in his position where he was later arrested, and was instrumental in confining the area of movement of the other two who were subsequenly apprehended.Award of an MID. The GOC directs that an entry be made on the Conduct sheets of this WO and NCO in accordance with paras 1713 and 1718 (b) (xvii) KR 1940.Recommended for BEM then MBE, awarded MID.Lt Col McNally DPM 3 District. Maj Gen Comd 3 District. Dep Mil Sec Allied Force HQ. National Archive WO 373/90 Full citation. |
| Decoration: | Mention in Despatches (London Gazette: 37138 Page: 3243 June 21, 1945) |
| Citation: | Italy. 9/6/45 Gemona, RSM Gordon awarded MID. Unit War Diary WO 170/4312. |