Capt. Guy Faulkener Whitfield MC, No.2 Commando 5 troop

[Photo courtesy of Mrs Desiree Roderick MBE].

17.08.1940 commissioned into the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry [1].
10.02.1942 transferred to the Reconnaissance Corps [2].
28.08.1942 attached to No 2 Commando [3].
18.11.1943 Molfetta, Italy, appointed No.2 Commando M.T.O. [3a].
Awarded the Military Cross whilst T/Captain of 5 troop No 2 Commando for gallant and distinguished service in Italy [4][4a].
Member of the Commando Association from Criccieth, Wales [5].
Award Recommendation
"On Operation Roast 2 April 1945 Captain Whitfield commanded a Troop which landed south of the Argine with orders to destroy the enemy South of the Canale di Bellochio. Shortly after the advance started the Troop met stubborn resistance. Captain Whitfield saw that an enemy gun position to the flank was shelling our own troops, further South. He organised and personally led an assault on the guns against heavy spandau fire protecting the position. Captain Whitfield charged a spandau post wounding the machine gunner and capturing the other. He then turned the spandau on the gunners who came out and surrendered.
Later in the advance, Captain Whitfield promptly led his Troop through a minefield to attack and capture a series of weapon pits. Throughout the operation Captain Whitfield's personal courage and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all ranks. By his determined leadership his Force captured 4 Cannon and some 110 Germans" [4a].

Sources
[1] London Gazette 34928, page 5145
[2] London Gazette 35767, page 4749.
[3] Field Return of Officers in No.2 Cdo.War Diary 20/11/43.
[3a] CVA Gallery photo of 2 Cdo officers Jan. 1943.
[3a] No.2 Commando War Diary entry 18/11/43.
[4] London Gazette 37162, page 3494.
[4a] National Archives file WO 373/13/9.
[5] Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 101 (1995).