Fred ‘Buck’ Kite
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Sergeant Fred ‘Buck’ Kite (1921 - 1993) was a highly decorated British soldier who fought in the Second World War.
He was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme in 1921. Sgt. Kite attended Hassell Street School followed by The Orme School. At the age of 17 years he joined the Royal Armoured Corps and was posted to the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment.
For gallantry in action, Sergeant Kite received three Military Medals. He received his first medal for bravery in North Africa in January 1943 when engaged on a special reconnaissance mission. The second medal was awarded for leadership, initiative and personal courage during action near the village of Bras, Normandy in July 1944. The third medal was awarded for great personal courage before being seriously wounded at Le Grand Bonfait, Normandy.
Field Marshall Montgomery’s signature appeared on all three citations, first as General Officer Commanding 8th Army, then as Commander in Chief 21st Army Group, and finally as Field Marshall.
Sergeant Fred Kite also saw action in Egypt, Crete and Greece. King George VI presented his medals to him at Buckingham Palace.
Sgt. Kite died in 1993 at the age of 72. He has the unique distinction of being the only member of the British Army to receive the Military Medal three times in the Second World War.
See also
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