| Date | 19 June 1942 |
|---|---|
| Source | The London Gazette of 19 Jun 1942, Num. 35600, p. 2699 |
| Reference | WW2-0004 |
| Volume | Second World War |
| Collection | Victoria Cross Recipients |
He led a detachment to attack the headquarters of the German forces in North Africa, 250 miles behind lines, a mission that was extremely hazardous and meant almost certain death. He navigated dangerous terrain in pitch darkness and maintained the morale of his detachment. Upon reaching the target, he boldly led his party to the front door, but was mortally wounded during the attack. Despite his injuries, his fearless leadership and gallantry set an example of supreme self-sacrifice and devotion to duty.
Extract from The London Gazette
| Name: | Lieutenant-Colonel Geoffrey Charles Tasker Keyes VC MC |
| Born: | 18 May 1917; Aberdour, Fife. |
| Died: | 18 Nov 1941; Sidi Rafa, Libya. |
| Buried: | Benghazi War Cemetery, 7.D.5, Libya. |
| Unit: | The Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons) and No 11 (Scottish) Commando |
| Date of Action: | 17 – 18 Nov 1941 |
| Place: | Beda Littoria, Libya |
| Rank: | Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, |
| Gazetted: | The London Gazette of 19 Jun 1942, Num. 35600, p. 2699 |
| VC No: | 1189 |
| Presented: | 12 Dec 1942 by King George VI at Buckingham Palace. |
| Displayed: | Lord Ashcroft Collection, National Army Museum, Chelsea. |
| References: | [51] |
| Connection: | Educated at Eton College. Named on the VC/GC Memorial at Eton College. |
| Awards: | Victoria Cross Military Cross General Service Medal (1918 – 62), 1 clasp 1939 – 45 Star Africa Star Defence Medal (1939 – 45) War Medal (1939 – 45) Croix de Guerre (France) |
| Notes: | Son of Admiral of the Fleet Roger John Brownlow Keyes, G.C.B., K.C.V.O., C.M.G., D.S.O., A.D.C., 1st Baron Keyes, and of Lady Keyes (nee Bowlby), of Buckingham. Killed leading the raid on General Rommel’s HQ, Sidi Rafa. |