Private ADAM HERBERT WAKENSHAW
Durham Light Infantry
9th Bn.
Died 27 June 1942
Age 28 years old
- Country of Service United Kingdom
- Awards Victoria Cross
- Additional Info Son of Thomas and Mary Wakenshaw, of Newcastle-on-Tyne; husband of Dorothy Ann Wakenshaw, of Newcastle-on-Tyne.
- Personal Inscription HE DIED A HERO. HE ANSWERED HIS CALL, BROKE ALL OUR HEARTS WHEN HE LEFT US ALL. R.I.P.
- Additional Citation note
The London Gazette for 8th September, 1942, gives the following details: On the 27th June, 1942, south of Mersa Matruh, Private Wakenshaw was a member of the crew of a 2-pounder anti-tank gun. An enemy tracked vehicle towing a light gun came within short range. The gun crew opened fire and succeeded in immobilising the enemy vehicle. Another mobile gun came into action, killed or seriously wounded the crew manning the 2-pounder, including Private Wakenshaw, and silenced the 2-pounder. Under intense fire, Private Wakenshaw crawled back to his gun. Although his left arm was blown off, he loaded the gun with one arm and fired five more rounds, setting the tractor on fire and damaging the light gun. A direct hit on the ammunition finally killed him and destroyed the gun. This act of conspicuous gallantry prevented the enemy from using their light gun on the infantry Company which was only 200 yards away. It was through the self sacrifice and courageous devotion to duty of this infantry anti-tank gunner that the Company was enabled to withdraw and to embus in safety.
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