John H. Grayburn, Lt.
Personal information
Age 26
Nationality British
Date / place of birth Unknown
Genealogy Son of Lionel Markham Grayburn and Gertrude Grayburn. Husband of Dorothy Constance Marcelle Grayburn, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, Scotland, U.K.
Military information
Army Number 149002
Rank Lt.
Function Unknown
Platoon / Troop / Flight Unknown
Company / Squadron Unknown
Unit / Group 2nd Battalion 1st Parachute Brigade
Division / Transport / Command 1st Airborne Division
Regiment Army Air Corps Parachute Regiment
Decoration
Victoria Cross
Death information
Died when 20-9-1944
Died where Arnhem
Spot Near road Bridge
Map reference Unknown
Burial location
Oosterbeek, War Cemetery, Netherlands
Grave number 13-C-11
Graves overview
Miscellaneous information
Personal notes

The following details are given in the London Gazette of 23rd January, 1945:- Lt. Grayburn was a platoon commander of the Parachute Battalion which was dropped on September 17th, 1944, with orders to seize and hold the bridge over the Rhine at Arnhem. He, with his platoon, was to capture the southern end. Lt. Grayburn was wounded in the shoulder almost immediately, but he directed and pressed the assault until casualties became so heavy that he was ordered to withdraw. Later, he successfully organized the occupation of a house vital to the defence of the bridge. Although heavily attacked throughout the next day and night, thanks to Lt. Grayburn\\'s courage, leadership, and skill in disposing his men, the house was held until it was set on fire on September 19th, and had to be evacuated. Lt. Grayburn then formed a fighting force of elements of all arms, including the remainder of his company. Although wounded again, this time in the back, he refused to be evacuated. When tank attacks, against which he had no defence, finally forced his retreat on September 20th, he stood up in full view of the enemy, and directed the withdrawal of his men to the main defensive perimeter. He was killed that night. For nearly four days, despite pain and weakness from his wounds, shortage of food and lack of sleep, Lt. Grayburn displayed supreme and unflagging gallantry and determination. Without his inspiring leadership the Arnhem bridge could not have been held for so long.

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John H. Grayburn, Lt.
Personal information
Age 26
Nationality British
Date / place of birth Unknown
Genealogy Son of Lionel Markham Grayburn and Gertrude Grayburn. Husband of Dorothy Constance Marcelle Grayburn, Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, Scotland, U.K.
Military information
Army Number 149002
Rank Lt.
Function Unknown
Platoon / Troop / Flight Unknown
Company / Squadron Unknown
Unit / Group 2nd Battalion 1st Parachute Brigade
Division / Transport / Command 1st Airborne Division
Regiment Army Air Corps Parachute Regiment
Decoration
Victoria Cross
Death information
Died when 20-9-1944
Died where Arnhem
Spot Near road Bridge
Map reference Unknown
Burial location
Oosterbeek, War Cemetery, Netherlands
Grave number 13-C-11
Graves overview
Miscellaneous information
Personal notes

The following details are given in the London Gazette of 23rd January, 1945:- Lt. Grayburn was a platoon commander of the Parachute Battalion which was dropped on September 17th, 1944, with orders to seize and hold the bridge over the Rhine at Arnhem. He, with his platoon, was to capture the southern end. Lt. Grayburn was wounded in the shoulder almost immediately, but he directed and pressed the assault until casualties became so heavy that he was ordered to withdraw. Later, he successfully organized the occupation of a house vital to the defence of the bridge. Although heavily attacked throughout the next day and night, thanks to Lt. Grayburn\\'s courage, leadership, and skill in disposing his men, the house was held until it was set on fire on September 19th, and had to be evacuated. Lt. Grayburn then formed a fighting force of elements of all arms, including the remainder of his company. Although wounded again, this time in the back, he refused to be evacuated. When tank attacks, against which he had no defence, finally forced his retreat on September 20th, he stood up in full view of the enemy, and directed the withdrawal of his men to the main defensive perimeter. He was killed that night. For nearly four days, despite pain and weakness from his wounds, shortage of food and lack of sleep, Lt. Grayburn displayed supreme and unflagging gallantry and determination. Without his inspiring leadership the Arnhem bridge could not have been held for so long.

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