Corporal Gordon Jack Burns

Unit : 9th Parachute Battalion.

Army No. : 5513071

Awards : Military Medal

On 24th March 1945, near Wesel, Germany, Corporal Burns and two men were dropped 1½ miles East of the Brigade Drop Zone in enemy territory. After salvaging mortar equipment from nearby containers, Corporal Burns began to lead his party towards the Battalion Rendezvous. After meeting and driving off by fire two bodies of enemy greatly outnumbering his own party, he observed a 20mm Anti-Aircraft gun engaging the gliders passing overhead. Although heavily laden with base plates and mortar bombs, Corporal Burns and his force of two stalked this enemy emplacement and after throwing in a grenade, assaulted it with Sten and rifle. All the crew were killed and the gun destroyed. Corporal Burns then continued on his way and eventually reached the Battalion Rendezous complete with his two men, his two base-plates and the mortar bombs.

His skill, courage and determination not only accounted for a number of Germans, but also ensured the arrival of stores vital to the success of the Battalion's operations.

Back to 9th Battalion

Back to Biographies Menu