Kenneth Horsfield, GC (30 September 1920 – 18 August 1944) was a British soldier of the Manchester Regiment who was posthumously awarded the George Cross for "most conspicuous gallantry" shown in attempting to rescue a comrade trapped and injured by an explosion in Italy in 1945.[1]
Kenneth Horsfield | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 30 September 1920 Hyde, Cheshire, England |
| Died | 18 August 1944 (aged 23) Brindisi, Italy |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service | British Army |
| Years of service | 1939–1944 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Service number | 3531119 |
| Unit | Manchester Regiment |
| Battles / wars | Second World War |
| Awards | George Cross |
Second World War
editHorsfield enlisted in the British Army in 1939 and served in North Africa.[citation needed]
In the early afternoon of 18 August 1944, an ammunition explosion in the demolition area of Military Establishment 54 (ME 54, Mil. Est. 54) in Brindisi killed two men and injured three more. Horsfield ran to the scene, with ammunition exploding all around him. He was unable to release one injured man but ran to fetch a fire extinguisher to try and control the fire when it became exhausted. A second explosion occurred causing him injuries from which he died on his way to hospital.[2]
The Commanding Officer of ME54 said, "In view of the great sacrifice this soldier made, to save the life of another, and with full knowledge of the likelihood of another fatal explosion, I have no hesitation in recommending him for the posthumous award of the George Cross". Notice of Horsfield's award appeared in The London Gazette on 23 March 1945, reading:[3]
The King has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the George Cross, in recognition of most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner, to:— No. 3531119 Corporal Kenneth Horsfield, The Manchester Regiment (Hyde, Cheshire).
— London Gazette
Horsfield is buried in Bari War Cemetery.
References
edit- ^ Commonwealth War Graves Commission – K Horsfield
- ^ George Cross Database Recipient at www.gc-database.co.uk
- ^ London Gazette 23 March 1945