William Philip Sidney
Major, 5th Battalion. Grenadier Guards
- Register No.
- 1143 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Major (register: Temp. Major) all Majors →
- Unit
- 5th Battalion. Grenadier Guards all Grenadier Guards VCs →
- Date of action
- 8–9 February 1944 on this day → all of 1944 →
- Conflict / campaign
- Second World War
- London Gazette
- 30th March 1944 on this day → all of 1944 →
- Born
- 23rd May 1909 at Chelsea, London
- Died
- 5th April 1991 at Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent
- Memorial / grave
- on family tomb at St John the Baptist Church, Penhurst, Kent
- Medal held by
- unknown
Digest of citation
Major Sidney led an attack that was successful in driving out the enemy from a gully, during the period 7th/8th February 1944, after they'd penetrated into the Wadi, south-west of Carroceto Ridge. Along with a crew of a three inch mortar, he personally led an attack, using a Tommy gun and hand-grenades, driving them out of the gully. With the mortar attack continually firing, he and a 'handful' of men positioned themselves on the gully's edge in order to stave off the enemy, who were now attacking in some strength. The majority of Germans were kept at bay, but a number of them managed to get into a ditch 20 yards from Major Sidney's position. He attacked, with his Tommy gun, in full view of the enemy, engaging them at point-blank range and forcing them to withdraw,leaving behind several dead. On returning to the gully's edge, he ordered all back, apart from two Grenadier Guards, to collect ammunition and grenades. In their absence they were attacked again and Major Sidney was struck in the face by a grenade, which bounced off and exploded. One of the guardsmen was killed, whilst he and the other guardsman were both wounded. Single-handed, and with a thigh wound, Major Sidney held back the enemy for five minutes until their ammunition arrived, when they again forced back the enemy. The major, weak from loss of blood, was not able to be removed until darkness fell, owing to the closeness of the enemy
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
SIDNEY, William Philip. (reg No. 1143).
Major. 5th Battalion. Grenadier Guards.
London Gazetted on 30th March 1944.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 23rd May 1909 at Chelsea, London.
Died on 5th April 1991 at Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent.
Memorial on family tomb at St John the Baptist Church, Penhurst, Kent.
Digest of Citation reads: Major Sidney led an attack that was successful in driving out the enemy from a gully, during the period 7th/8th February 1944, after they'd penetrated into the Wadi, south-west of Carroceto Ridge. Along with a crew of a three inch mortar, he personally led an attack, using a Tommy gun and hand-grenades, driving them out of the gully. With the mortar attack continually firing, he and a 'handful' of men positioned themselves on the gully's edge in order to stave off the enemy, who were now attacking in some strength. The majority of Germans were kept at bay, but a number of them managed to get into a ditch 20 yards from Major Sidney's position. He attacked, with his Tommy gun, in full view of the enemy, engaging them at point-blank range and forcing them to withdraw,leaving behind several dead. On returning to the gully's edge, he ordered all back, apart from two Grenadier Guards, to collect ammunition and grenades. In their absence they were attacked again and Major Sidney was struck in the face by a grenade, which bounced off and exploded. One of the guardsmen was killed, whilst he and the other guardsman were both wounded. Single-handed, and with a thigh wound, Major Sidney held back the enemy for five minutes until their ammunition arrived, when they again forced back the enemy. The major, weak from loss of blood, was not able to be removed until darkness fell, owing to the closeness of the enemy.
Additional information:. Viscount de L'Isle,( Major William Philip Sidney) was made a Knight of the Garter. (KG); A Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) and a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO). He is the son-in-law of Field Marshal Viscount Gort VC. Further research required.
Additional information
Viscount de L'Isle,( Major William Philip Sidney) was made a Knight of the Garter. (KG); A Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) and a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO). He is the son-in-law of Field Marshal Viscount Gort VC. Further research required.
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: on family tomb at St John the Baptist Church, Penhurst, Kent
Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.
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