increased in intensity, as the house was vital to the defence of the

bridge. All attacks were repulsed, due to Lieutenant Grayburn’s valour

and skill in organising and encouraging his men, until eventually

the house was set on re and had to be evacuated. Lieutenant

Grayburn then took command of elements of all arms, including the

remainder of his own company, and re-formed them into a ghting

force. He spent the night organising a defensive position to cover

the approaches to the bridge.

On 20th September, 1944, he extended his defence by a series of

ghting patrols which prevented the enemy gaining access to the

houses in the vicinity, the occupation of which would have prejudiced

the defence of the bridge. This forced the enemy to bring up tanks

which brought Lieutenant Grayburn’s positions under such heavy re

that he was forced to withdraw to an area farther North. The enemy

now attempted to lay demolition charges under the bridge and the

situation was critical. Realising this, Lieutenant Grayburn organised

and led a ghting patrol which drove the enemy off temporarily, and

gave time for the fuzes to be removed. He was again wounded, this

time in the back, but refused to be evacuated. Finally, an enemy tank,

against which Lieutenant Grayburn had no defence, approached so

close to his position that it became untenable. He then stood up in

full view of the tank and personally directed the withdrawal of his

men to the main defensive perimeter to which he had been ordered.

He was killed that night.

From the evening of September 17th until the night of September

20th, 1944, a period of over three days, Lieutenant Grayburn led

his men with supreme gallantry and determination. Although in pain

and weakened by his wounds, short of food and without sleep, his

courage never agged. There is no doubt that, had it not been for

this ofcer’s inspiring leadership and personal bravery, the Arnhem

bridge could never have been held for this time.”

Supplement to The London Gazette of 23 January 1945.

25 January 1945, Numb. 36907, pp. 561-62