Field Marshal JOHN STANDISH SURTEES PRENDERGAST VEREKER
Grenadier Guards
Died 31 March 1946
Age 59 years old
- Secondary Unit, Regiment and Commands and Staff General Staff
- Country of Service United Kingdom
- Awards Victoria Cross, Knight Grand Cross of the Bath, Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Distinguished Service Order and 2 Bars, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, Military Cross, 9 times Mentioned in Despatches
- Additional Info 6th Viscount Gort. Son of John Gage Prendergast Vereker, 5th Viscount Gort, and of the Viscountess Gort (nee Surtees), of St. Marylebone, London, and Cowes, Isle of Wight. C.I.G.S. 1937-1939; C. in C. B.E.F. in France and Flanders, 1939-1940; Inspector-General to the Forces for Training and Inspector-General, Home Guard, 1940-1941; Governor and C. in C. Gibraltar, 1941-1942; Governor and C. in C. Malta, 1942-1944; A.D.C. to H.M. King George VI, 1940-1946.
- Additional Citation note
The following details regarding the award of the Victoria Cross to Capt. & Bt. Major (A/Lt.-Col.) Viscount Gort, D.S.O., M.V.O., M.C., "for most conspicuous bravery, skilful leading and devotion to duty" are given in the London Gazette of 27th November. 1918:-On 17th September, 1918, this officer was in charge of 1/Bn. Grenadier Guards during the attack across the Canal du Nord, near Flesquieres. Although wounded he went across open ground under terrific fire to obtain the assistance of a tank, which he led and directed to the best possible advantage. He was again wounded very severely, but after a short rest despite considerable loss of blood, he got up and personally directed a further attack. All ranks were so inspired by his magnificent example of devotion to duty and utter disregard of personal safety that the attack was completely successful. Viscount Gort then organised the defence of the captured position until he collapsed.
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