Orders, Decorations and Medals

An exceptional B.E.M. and Long Service group of nine awarded to Staff Sergeant P. H. Croucher, Grenadier Guards

British Empire Medal (Military) E.II.R. (2608037 A/Col.Sgt., Gren. Gds.); 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star; Defence & War Medals; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (2608037 C/Sjt., Gren. Gds.); Coronation 1953; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue, Regular Army, with Long Service Bar (2608037 Sjt., G. Gds.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (2608037 S/Sgt., B.E.M. Gren. Gds.) mounted court style as worn, light contact marks but generally good very fine (9) £2000-2500

B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1954. The original recommendation states: ‘C.Q.M.S. Croucher joined the regiment as a Boy in 1921. At the outbreak of war he became a Sergeant and saw active service in France before Dunkirk. In 1941 he was promoted Colour Sergeant (C.Q.M.S.) in No. 2 Company of the 1st Battalion, an appointment he has held without break ever since. On account of his stature and for reasons of health he has been unable to gain any further promotion in the regiment. In spite of the fact that he knew this full well he never let up in his efforts to carry out his duty. He returned to Europe soon after ‘D’ Day with the Guards Armoured Division and was with the Battalion throughout their advance into Germany and until the surrender.

After the war he served in Germany, England, Palestine and North Africa. C.Q.M.S. Croucher’s service in his regiment and indeed the army, has been completely outstanding. During the whole of his 31 years service he has worked for the good of others, and never spared himself to ensure that the men in his company were cared for and looked after in every possible way. His conscientiousness and devotion to duty are only equalled by his ability to handle men and get the best out of them, and indeed, there is not an officer or man who has not the most complete confidence in him. Everybody looks to the C.Q.M.S. for help and guidance and nobody has ever found him lacking in time of need.

He has been a leading figure in the sporting activities of the regiment, and for years has run the football for the battalion. His leadership and inspiration has been largely responsible for the tremendous success the battalion has enjoyed in this sphere. He has been the backbone of the Sergeants’ Mess for more years than most can remember, and no social function is complete without him. Although he is by far the oldest member, his respect for his seniors is an example to all, and only matched by their respect for him. He always extends a ready welcome and helping hand to the new members.

I consider that C.Q.M.S. Croucher’s service is deserving of official recognition. He is undoubtedly one of the straightest, nicest, most loyal, hardworking and unselfish men I have ever met, and, as I have described, a very great soldier.’