Casualty Details

Name:	YOUNG, ST. JOHN GRAHAM
Initials:	S J G
Nationality:	United Kingdom
Rank:	Lieutenant
Regiment/Service:	Royal Armoured Corps
Secondary Regiment:	21st King George V's Own Horse (Central India Horse), I.A.C.
Secondary Unit Text:	attd.
Age:	23
Date of Death:	24/07/1944
Service No:	222666
Awards:	G C
Additional information:	Son of St. John Maitland Young and Mary Lilian Young, of Esher, Surrey.
Casualty Type:	Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference:	VI. B. 8.
Cemetery:	AREZZO WAR CEMETERY
Citation:	The citation in the London Gazette for 20th July 1945, states that the posthumous award of the George Cross was made "In recognition of most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner." Lieutenant Young, in charge of night patrol realised that they were in a middle of an enemy minefield. Lt. Young received the full force of a blast and both his legs were shattered. Despite the terrible pain he continued to give such great encouragement to his men that the majority of them managed to reach safety in the early light of morning. One of Lt. Young's soldiers, Sowar Ditto Ram, Central Indi Horse was also awarded the George Cross for actions in this same incident. Both died of their wounds on the following day.