L/Cpl. Eric Groves MM

No. 2 Commando 2 troop. Eric joined No.2 Commando in 1942 when it was reforming after St Nazaire. In August 1942 he spent sometime in hospital, and was posted back to the RASC. However he rejoined No. 2 Commando and took part in the Sicily landings and all the subsequent actions in Italy, Albania and the Dalmatian Islands. At the end of the war and whist awaiting demob Eric spent sometime with No.4 Commando in post was Germany.

[Photos courtesy of his daughter April Richer]

Citation for the award of the Military Medal:

Acting Lance Corporal Eric Richard Clifford Groves
Dvr. T/183555, RASC, No.2 Commando

On 17th April 1945 L/Cpl. Groves's troop attacked along the dykes west of Argenta to capture the bridges across the River Reno and neighbouring canals. Shortly after the objectives were captured, the enemy counterattacked in strength down all three dykes. The bren group defending the western dyke was knocked out by a mortar bomb, leaving the left flank badly exposed. L/Cpl. Groves saw enemy troops with panzerfaust and spandau infiltrating down the western dyke. Realising the danger, he immediately, and on his own initiative, led his bren group across the demolished bridge over the canal which was under heavy small arms and mortar fire. He reached the dyke when the enemy had advanced to within less than 100 yards of the bridge and ordered his bren to open fire, but the bren jammed. Groves drew his revolver and rushed towards the enemy over completely bare ground, which was subjected to heavy enemy small arms fire. He fired rapidly into the enemy driving them back, and enabled his bren team to get their gun working again. His prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved a critical situation and prevented the enemy over-running the left. flank