TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Duncan, Charles Alfred

Date of birth:
April 13th, 1908 (Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, Great Britain)
Date of death:
July 10th, 1943 (M'Sakan, North Africa)
Buried on:
Commonwealth War Cemetery Enfidaville
Plot: III. Row: B. Grave: 28.
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Private
Unit:
4th Parachute Battalion, 1st Parachute Brigade, 1st Airborne Division, British Army
Awarded on:
November 9th, 1943
Awarded for:
Operation Torch
"On the 10th July, 1943, Private Duncan on returning to his Camp near M'Saken, North Africa, after the postponement of an airborne operation, was removing primed grenades from his equipment in the company of a number of his comrades. One grenade fell to the ground and Private Duncan noticed that the safety pin was out. He could very easily have saved his own life either by running away or throwing the grenade clear. Seeing that this would have meant injuries being caused to the men standing near, he unhesitatingly flung himself on the ground and held the grenade until it burst.

By his very gallant action Private Duncan undoubtedly saved the life of his comrades at the cost of his own."

Posthumously awarded
George Cross

Sources

Photo