Lieutenant Colonel DEREK ANTHONY SEAGRIM

The citation in the London Gazette of 11th May, 1943, gives the following details On the night of 20th/21st March, 1943, a battalion of the Green Howards was ordered to attack and capture an important and strongly defended feature on the Mareth Line. The battalion was subjected to intense fire; it appeared more than probable that it would be held up and that the main attack would fail. Lieutenant-Colonel Seagrim realized the seriousness of the situation and at the head of his battalion led it through a hail of fire to the assault, personally attacking two machine-gun posts; it is estimated that in this phase he killed, or captured, twenty Germans. By his personal courage, disregard for his own safety, and outstanding leadership he so inspired his men that the battalion successfully took and held its objective, thereby enabling the attack to proceed. Lieutenant-Colonel Seagrim subsequently died of wounds received in action.