Kenneth Horsfield

Corporal Kenneth Horsfield GC of the Manchester Regiment 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(1920-09-30)30 September 1920
Hyde, Cheshire
Died18 August 1944(1944-08-18) (aged 23)
Brindisi, Italy
Buried
Bari War Cemetery
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Years of service1939-1944
RankCorporal
Service number3531119
UnitManchester Regiment
Battles/warsWorld War II
Awards George Cross

He enlisted in 1939 and also served in North Africa. He is buried in Bari War Cemetery.

18 August 1944

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 Horsfield 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".

ME 54 was also known, particularly to the American OSS, as Paradise Camp. He was killed during this action by a second explosion.

There is no evidence to support the suggestion that he was a member of the SAS.

George Cross citation

Notice of his award appeared in the London Gazette on the 23 March 1945.[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

References
  1. Commonwealth War Graves Commission - K Horsfield
  2. George Cross Database Recipient at www.gc-database.co.uk
  3. London Gazette 23 March 1945
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