Percival Eric Gratwick

Percival Eric Gratwick was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 40 years old, and a Private in the 2/4th Battalion (South Australia), Australian Military Forces during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 25/26 October 1942 during the attack at Miteiriya Ridge, Egypt, the platoon to which Private Gratwick belonged suffered a considerable number of casualties, including the platoon commander and sergeant. Private Gratwick, realizing the seriousness of the situation, charged on alone and with hand grenades, killed the crew of an enemy machine-gun and an entire mortar crew. Under heavy machine-gun fire he then charged the second post with rifle and bayonet. In inflicting further casualties he was killed by machine-gun fire, but his brave and determined action enabled his company to capture the final objective.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Western Australia Army Museum, Perth, Western Australia.

External links

• GRATWICK P.E.
• Private P.E. Gratwick (photo, brief details)

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.