Royal Artillery - Recommendations for Honours & Awards

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Brigadier Bryan John Fowler, M.C., Royal Regiment of Artillery, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

Brigadier Fowler has carried out the duties of a Commander of Royal Artillery with great distinction from April 28th, 1942, to date.

Throughout the whole period he has been indefatigable in improving the standard of gunnery in the division.

He has had countless difficulties to contend with, but with dogged perseverance and a complete disregard of fatigue he has invariably surmounted each crisis with marked ability.

During every operation, in the Knightsbridge area in May and June, on the Ruweisat ridge in July and August, at Alamein in October and November and beyond, with a complete disregard of his safety and frequently under heavy fire, he continually visited the most forward observation posts, giving advice and encouragement to young Forward Observation Officers.
His devotion to duty, his determination to allow nothing to stand in the way of maximum efficiency, his invariable habit of doing “that something extra which counts,” and above all his courage in action, have always been inspiring, and an encouragement to those under his command and to all who saw him.

Brigadier Fowler was born in Kells, Co. Meath, and his home is in Navan.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/search-results.asp?searchtype=browserefine&query=first_na me%3dbryan%7clast_name%3dfowler&catid=22&pagenumbe r=1&querytype=1&mediaarray=*

Recommendation for Award for Fowler, Bryan John
Rank: Temporary Brigadier
Service No: 17166
Regiment: Royal Regiment of Artillery
Award: Bar to Distinguished Service Order

Recommendation for Award for Fowler, Bryan John
Rank: Major
Regiment: Head Quarters Royal Artillery 1 British Armoured Divisional Royal Artillery
Award: Distinguished Service Order

12 October 1943
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36209/supplements/4545
27 March 1945
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37004/supplements/1709
28 August 1945
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37245/supplements/4377


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http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/research-material/19413-volunteers-eire-who-have-won-distinctions.html#post195852

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Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Richard Wakefield Goodbody, Royal Horse Artillery, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

Lieutenant-Colonel Goodbody was in command of a Royal Horse Artillery Regiment operating with this bridge from July 10th, 1943. During this period his regiment was constantly in action, often covering a very wide front. Lieutenant-Colonel Goodbody never spared himself and was constantly well forward under heavy shellfire, selecting new battery areas. His support and advice were a tremendous help. Wherever the trouble was, Lieutenant-Colonel Goodbody would be found reconnoitring for good observation posts and ordering forward observation officers to occupy them. As a result the brigade was never without artillery support when required.

At Vizzini on July 13th, and again on the River Dittaino on July 19th, Lieutenant-Colonel Goodbody showed great gallantry and leadership in reconnoitring suitable gun areas and observation posts.

Lieutenant-Colonel Goodbody comes from Lisnagry, Co. Limerick.

http://www.generals.dk/general/Goodbody/Sir_Richard_Wakefield/Great_Britain.html
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/search-results.asp?searchtype=browserefine&query=first_na me%3drichard%7clast_name%3dgoodbody&catid=22&pagen umber=1&querytype=1&mediaarray=*

Recommendation for Award for Goodbody, Richard Wakefield
Rank: Major
Service No: 26967
Regiment: 11 Royal Horse Artillery
Award: Distinguished Service Order

Recommendation for Award for Goodbody, Richard Wakefield
Rank: Major General
Service No: 26967
Regiment: Royal Regiment of Artillery
Award: Companion of the Order of the Bath

London Gazette:
27 August 1940
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/34934/supplements/5270
11 December 1942
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35821/supplements/5437
19 October 1943
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36217/supplements/4661

See this thread for ref:
http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/research-material/19413-volunteers-eire-who-have-won-distinctions.html#post195852

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Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) William Anthony Sheil, Royal Regiment of Artillery (Reserve of Officers), was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

On October 27th, 1943, Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil was ordered to engage the enemy locality known as “Stirling” which observed fire from the whole of his regiment. It was a difficult and intricate task as advanced elements of our infantry had reached the outskirts of the locality during the previous night and were pinned by enemy fire, and opposing tanks were manoeuvring in the area.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil considered the task so important and so difficult that he undertook it himself. He worked his way forward to an observation post within 500 yards of the locality, identified our own troops, and then ranged his regiment on to the actual enemy defences while our own and enemy tanks fired at each other over his head. Our own tanks then advanced, and he saw the enemy anti-tank gunners man their guns. He brought down a regimental concentration on them and saw them run back to their dug-outs.

Our attack failed owing to 88 mm. fire from far out on the flank, so Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil proceeded to pound the locality with his regiment all day. So destructive was this fire that the infantry attack on the locality that night met with practically no opposition and found the defences full of enemy dead.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil’s action was an inspiration to the rest of the Divisional Artillery and contributed largely to the successful capture of this important locality.

Later, Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil was awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order. At France Fonte on July 14th, 1943, as C.O. of his regiment and senior artillery officer on the spot, he was responsible for organising the fire support for the attack of and infantry brigade.
Enemy parachute troops were offering very stubborn resistance, were sniping very accurately and were attempting to regain the initiative.
With complete disregard of danger Colonel Sheil went right forward in person to identify the actual centre of resistance which no one else could locate. After a daring reconnaissance he observed the fire of his regiment on to several strong-points and, when this was impossible, himself manhandled 6-pounders and a 17-pounder into action at short range, and then directed their fire. His leadership and inspiring example were a considerable contributory factor to the successful issue of a hard-fought fight.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil comes from Clonsilla, Co. Dublin.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/search-results.asp?searchtype=browserefine&query=last_nam e%3dsheil%7cscope%3d1141&catid=22&pagenumber=1&que rytype=1&mediaarray=*

Recommendation for Award for Sheil, William Anthony
Rank: Major
Service No: 1141
Regiment: Royal Regiment of Artillery, Reserve of Officers
Award: Distinguished Service Order

Recommendation for Award for Sheil, William Anthony
Rank: Major, Temporary Lieutenant Colonel
Service No: 1141
Regiment: 128 Horse Field Regiment; Royal Artillery
Award: Bar to Distinguished Service Order

London Gazette:
12 January 1943
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35862/supplements/320
19 October 1943
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36217/supplements/4661

Listed:
The Times, Friday, Jan 15, 1943 ARMY AWARDS, SERVICES IN THE MIDDLE EAST
The Times, Friday, Oct 22, 1943 ARMY AWARDS, GALLANTRY IN SICILY

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Captain (temporary Major) William Lyle Newell, Royal Regiment of Artillery, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in January, 1942.

During the attack on Sidi Omar Nuovo on November 22nd, 1941, Major Newell was commanding the Field Battery in support of the Royal Sussex.

On arrival at the debussing area when the infantry were held up, Major Newell went up to the infantry and personally led some of them forward to the capture of the first objective.

By his complete disregard of danger and by his fine example, the men went forward at great speed.

Throughout the whole attack, and particularly at this period, Major Newell had shown a magnificent example of coolness and disregard for danger which had an excellent effect on all who were near him.

Major Newell’s home is Moville, Co. Donegal.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7653648&queryType=1&resultcount =2

Name Newell, William Lyle
Rank: Temporary Captain
Regiment: 25 Field Regiment Royal Artillery
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Middle East (Egypt and Libya)
Award: Distinguished Service Order
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 23 January 1942
Date 1941-1942
Catalogue reference WO 373/18

Listed:
The Times, Monday, Dec 22, 1941
GALLANTRY IN ACTION DURING OPERATIONS IN WESTERN DESERT


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From The Times, Saturday, May 10, 1941

MIDDLE EAST AWARDS
GALLANT SERVICE RECOGNIZED
The War Office has issued a description of some of the deeds for which these awards were made. The following are a few typical episodes: -

L/BOMBARDIER T. HESKETH, R.H.A., M.M.
This N.C.O. volunteered to drive a gun carrier in a charge down a main road. Our forces were heavily out-numbered and the vehicle was under continuous fire, but L/Bombardier Hesketh displayed great coolness and drove his vehicle into the midst of a large number of the enemy, thus enabling the gun to fire with great effect. He was later instrumental in capturing a large number of prisoners.

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From The Times, Monday, July 8, 1940

ARMY AWARDS

GALLANT REARGUARD ACTIONS
FINE LEADERSHIP AND COURAGE

The War Office issues the following list of immediate awards by the Commander-in-Chief, British Expeditionary Force:-

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER

PARHAM, LT.-COL. HETMAN JACK, R.A.
During the withdrawal Lt.-Col. Parham displayed great coolness and decision, keeping his forward guns going until the last possible minute and then withdrawing them, having arranged for other guns in rear to take up their task. On May 29, when covering with some of his guns the withdrawal at Bambecque, he noticed that the enemy had penetrated on his right. On his own initiative he collected some carriers and successfully counter-attacked. His truck was hit and he was wounded, but he managed to get back on foot.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/search-results.asp?searchtype=browserefine&query=last_nam e%3dparham&catid=22&pagenumber=1&querytype=1&media array=*

Recommendation for Award for Parham, H J
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Regiment: 10 Field Regiment Royal Artillery
Award: Distinguished Service Order

Recommendation for Award for Parham, Hetman Jack
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Regiment: Head Quarters First Army
Award: Bar to Distinguished Service Order

Name Parham, Hetman Jack
Rank: Brigadier
Regiment: British Army
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Foreign to British: USA
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 14 November 1947
Date 1947-1948
Catalogue reference WO 373/148

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From The Times, Monday, July 8, 1940

ARMY AWARDS

GALLANT REARGUARD ACTIONS
FINE LEADERSHIP AND COURAGE
The War Office issues the following list of immediate awards by the Commander-in-Chief, British Expeditionary Force:-

MILITARY CROSS
GORDON, SECOND LIEUTENANT IAN WILLIAM CRESWELL, R.A.
On June 8 at Quincampoix when the infantry withdrew under pressure Second Lieutenant Gordon remained with the rear gun and directed the fire during the rearguard action. About 12 enemy A.F.V.s were destroyed by his troop, one field gun was silenced, one aeroplane was brought down, and a party of six parachutists were killed by one of his Bren guns. Second Lieutenant Gordon showed great courage while under fire, and by his example inspired his men to stand up to a vastly superior force of the enemy.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7652529&queryType=1&resultcount =16

Name Gordon, I W C
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment: Royal Artillery
Theatre of Combat or Operation: British Expeditionary Force 1939-40
Award: Military Cross
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 22 October 1940
Date 1940-1942
Catalogue reference WO 373/16

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From The Times, Monday, July 8, 1940

ARMY AWARDS

GALLANT REARGUARD ACTIONS
FINE LEADERSHIP AND COURAGE
The War Office issues the following list of immediate awards by the Commander-in-Chief, British Expeditionary Force:-

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL
LINTON, L.-SERG. A.C.C., R.A.
On the afternoon of June 8 L.-Sergt. Linton was in position covering a road block on the Rouen-Forges road. An enemy attack developed and when the infantry withdrew his gun acted as rearguard, protecting the infantry from A.F.V.s. His detachment is known to have accounted for two light tanks, one field gun, and one aeroplane, and six parachutists. During the whole action he showed considerable courage and cheerfulness, and was a perfect example to his men.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7652859&queryType=1&resultcount =4

Name Linton, A C G
Rank: Bombardier
Service No: 1443995
Regiment: Royal Artillery
Theatre of Combat or Operation: British Expeditionary Force 1939-40
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 20 December 1940
Date 1940-1942
Catalogue reference WO 373/16

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From The Times, Monday, July 8, 1940

ARMY AWARDS

GALLANT REARGUARD ACTIONS
FINE LEADERSHIP AND COURAGE
The War Office issues the following list of immediate awards by the Commander-in-Chief, British Expeditionary Force:-

MILITARY CROSS
BATES, LIEUTENANT ALBERT FREDERICK, R.A.
Lieutenant Bates displayed conspicuous presence of mind and bravery when his gun position was attacked with machine and cannon-gun fire from eight low-flying twin-engined German fighters. He maintained in action the last 3.7in. guns in France under heavy fire from German artillery and aerial bombs.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7652717&queryType=1&resultcount =1

Name Bates, A F
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: 16 Anti-Aircraft Battery Royal Artillery
Theatre of Combat or Operation: British Expeditionary Force 1939-40
Award: Military Cross
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 20 December 1940
Date 1940-1942
Catalogue reference WO 373/16

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From The Times, Monday, July 8, 1940

ARMY AWARDS

GALLANT REARGUARD ACTIONS
FINE LEADERSHIP AND COURAGE
The War Office issues the following list of immediate awards by the Commander-in-Chief, British Expeditionary Force:-

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL
SMITH, SERGEANT J.F., R.A.
On the evening of May 29, when left with a forward gun to defend the bridgehead, Sergeant Smith showed great courage, keeping his gun in action under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. In this action he accounted for two tanks at point-blank range and held up the enemy infantry for a considerable period, only withdrawing when large enemy forces were within 200 yards of his gun.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7652855&queryType=1&resultcount =2

Name Smith, J F
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: 808677
Regiment: 10 Field Regiment Royal Artillery
Theatre of Combat or Operation: British Expeditionary Force 1939-40
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 20 December 1940
Date 1940-1942
Catalogue reference WO 373/16