| Surname: | Gregson |
| Initials: | G E |
| Rank: | Lance Corporal |
| Army Number: | 4545080 |
| Notes: | CMP. Formerly West Yorkshire Regiment, transferred to CMP. 'R' Pro Coy. 28/2/46 discharged. Medal card not found. MID. Geoffrey Ellis Gregson. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Mention in Despatches (London Gazette: 37368 Page: 5830 Nov. 29, 1945) |
| Citation: | MID Citation. Italy Act of Gallantry The GOC desires to place on record the act of gallantry described below, performed by the following WO and NCO:-2692809 RSM Gordon T CMP4545080 LCpl Gregson G E CMP 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 LCpl 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 L/Cpl 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 NCO were 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 subsequently 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. |