06 February 2011

George Cross: J. R. O. Thompson

JENKIN ROBERT OSWALD THOMPSON

Captain, Royal Army Medical Corps

Born: 13 July 1911
Died: 24 January 1944, Anzio, Italy

Citation: The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the GEORGE CROSS, in recognition of most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner, to: —
Captain Jenkin Robert Oswald Thompson (115213), Royal Army Medical Corps (Claygate, Surrey).

[London Gazette issue 36918 dated 2 Feb 1945, published 30 Jan 1945.]


Note: Captain Thompson was serving aboard HM Hospital Ship St David when that vessel was attacked by enemy dive bombers off Anzio. With the ship rapidly sinking, Thompson organised parties to remove the wounded to safety in nearby boats. One patient in Thompson's ward remained trapped belowdecks when the order was given for all to save themselves. Thompson returned alone to attempt to save this man. Unable to do so, he remained with him, and both men died when the ship went down.

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