George Gristock

George Gristock VC (14 June 1905 - 16 June 1940) was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 35 years old, and a Warrant Officer Class II holding the appointment of Company Sergeant Major in The Royal Norfolk Regiment, British Army during the Second World War. During the Battle of France the 2nd battalion was part of the British Expeditionary Force.

On 21 May 1940 near the River Escaut, Belgium, south of Tournai. Company Sergeant-Major Gristock organized a party of eight riflemen and went forward to cover the company's right flank, where the enemy had broken through. He then went on with one man under heavy fire and was severely wounded in both legs, but having gained his fire position undetected, he managed to put out of action a machine-gun which was inflicting heavy casualties and kill the crew of four. He then dragged himself back to the right flank position but refused to be evacuated until contact with the battalion had been established. He later died of his wounds.* The Times reported, "By his gallant action the position of the company was secured, and many casualties prevented."

Further information

Grave/memorial at Bear Road Cemetery, Brighton, Sussex, England. War Graves Section. Plot Z.G.L. Grave 28. Headstone.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Norfolk Regiment Museum Norwich, England.

References

*British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
* (Dilip Sarkar, 1999)
*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)

External links

* [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/theartofwar/valgal/valour/INF3_0411.htm Warrant Officer Second Class G. Gristock] in "The Art of War" exhibition at the UK National Archives
* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/sussex.htm Location of grave and VC medal] "(East Sussex)"

* [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/theartofwar/popup/zj_1_939_transcript.htm London Gazette entry at National Archives]
* [http://www.rnrm.org.uk/html/collect_15.html Picture at Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum website]