Kenneth Horsfield
| Kenneth Horsfield | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
30 September 1920 Hyde, Cheshire |
| Died |
18 August 1944 (aged 23) Brindisi, Italy |
| Buried at | Bari War Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom |
| Service/branch |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1939-1944 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Service number | 3531119 |
| Unit | Manchester Regiment |
| Battles/wars |
World War II *North Africa *Italy |
| Awards |
 George Cross |
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]
He enlisted in 1939 and also served in North Africa.[2] 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.[3]
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.[4]
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