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Private ADAM HERBERT WAKENSHAW

Service Number: 4270383
Regiment & Unit/Ship

Durham Light Infantry

9th Bn.

Date of Death

Died 27 June 1942

Age 28 years old

Buried or commemorated at

EL ALAMEIN WAR CEMETERY

XXXII. D. 9.

Egypt

Commonwealth War Graves Commission - Headstone Placeholder
  • 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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Buried or commemorated at