1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment 1944-45 - Awards and Citations

T/Major Sidney Karl CLOVER, T.D. (39270)

Gerry Clover as he liked to be known was recommended by Lieut.-Col. M. R. J. Hope-Thomson on the 3rd July 1945 for a Periodic Military Cross.

Military Cross (London Gazette date 24th January 1946)

Citation:

“This officer took over command of ‘C’ Company 1 WORC R. in August 1944 just after it had been badly knocked about and seriously depleted in numbers. From that date until the end of the War he has been continuously in command of ‘C’ Company and has never missed a battle, either through leave, sickness, LOB or any other reason. His calm imperturbability and his remarkable endurance for a man of 38 was an inspiring and steadying influence on his Company, to whom, in ten months continuous fighting he has become somewhat of a legendary figure. Never rattled in the most difficult situations his wise judgment and sound tactical knowledge gave the greatest confidence to his junior Officers and men, for it was well known that, while his Company always took its objective, led, not driven, by Major Clover from the front, no expedient or forethought in order to save lives was ever neglected by him. A fine example from a consistently outstanding record of continuous Coy battle leading, was shown by Major Clover in the Geilenkirchen area in November 1944 when he personally guided stretcher bearers out under fire to wounded men instead of delegating this duty to a subordinate. Many other instances could be cited of his gallantry and leadership during ten months fighting.”

Major S. K. Clover

Background:

Karl Sidney Clover was born at the family home, The Hall, Dedham, Lexden, Essex on the 4th March 1908. He was one of twins, his twin brother was Donald Eric Clover. His father John Percy Clover was a Merchant Miller and Farmer. He was educated at Felsted Public School, Essex. At the age of 20, after Officer Cadet Training, he was commissioned into the 5th Battalion Essex Regiment on the 19th April 1928. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1931 and to Captain in 1938. Awarded the Territorial Efficiency Decoration (London Gazette 20th April 1944). He was posted to the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment on the 14th August 1944 as a Temporary Major and commanded ‘C’ Company.

Died in 28th September 1988, age 80 at Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire.

 

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