Royal Armoured Corps

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Major (Acting Lieutenant-Colonel) George Edward Knox-Peebles, 28116, Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in January, 1942.

At Bardia on December 31st, 1941, Lieutenant-Colonel Knox-Peebles was commanding a battalion of the Royal Tank Regiment which took part in an attack conducted against enemy dispositions of fortress type. The operation was highly successful; it not only opened the way for the further decisive operation which brought about the fall of Bardia, but it was noteworthy for the relatively low casualties sustained by our troops in view of the formidable nature of the opposition.

Lieutenant-Colonel Knox-Peebles helped to lay the foundations for this success by wise and meticulous planning beforehand. He then commanded his battalion throughout the day of the battle with the greatest skill, courage and determination. At the crisis of the battle the handling of the infantry tanks greatly assisted the infantry to recover from a temporary setback. This officer’s battalion was in action under heavy fire for thirteen hours, and during the whole period he guided, conducted and inspired the battalion by his able leadership and fine example.

His mother lives at Harolds Cross, Co. Dublin.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7653519&queryType=1&resultcount =1

Name Knox-Peebles, George Edward
Rank: Major
Regiment: 8 Battalion Royal Tank Regiment
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Middle East (Egypt and Libya)
Award: Distinguished Service Order
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 24 February 1942
Date 1941-1942
Catalogue reference WO 373/18

London Gazette:
28 January 1941
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35059/supplements/616
20 February 1942
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35465/supplements/893


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) Joseph Hume Dudgeon, M.C., the Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons), was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Lieutenant-Colonel J.H. Dudgeon, M.C., as Officer Commanding Pack Transport Group, was responsible, early in December, 1942, for he forming up of a pack transport company. He purchased the mules, enlisted, equipped and trained the Africa personnel.

This was, in itself, a great achievement; it was accomplished in a remarkably short space of time and as each troop was complete it was immediately put into action.

He was also responsible for the training of another pack transport company which came under his command in February, 1943.

It was due to his inspiring leadership, enthusiasm and untiring efforts that these two units were trained to the very high standard which has enabled them to perform such excellent work in action which was personally supervised by him.

Lieutenant-Colonel Dudgeon was born in Kilkenny and his home is in Dublin.

http://thepeerage.com/p34726.htm#i347252

Lt.-Col. Joseph Hume Dudgeon was born on 19 March 1893. He was the son of Joseph Hume Dudgeon and Isabella Best McCorquodale. He married Isabella Felicia Maria Symington, daughter of Archibald Colquhoun Symington, on 9 February 1920.

Lt.-Col. Joseph Hume Dudgeon fought in the First World War between 1914 and 1918.1 He was decorated with the award of Military Cross (M.C.) in 1916. He was Captain of the British Show Jumping Team. He fought in the Second World War between 1939 and 1945. He was invested as a Officer, Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) in 1943. He retired from the military in 1945, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, late of the Royal Scots Greys. He lived in 1958 at Burton Hall, Stillorgan, County Dublin, Ireland.

http://www.southirishhorse.com/documents/officers_siy_sih.htm

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=2856611&queryType=1&resultcount =2

Description Medal card of Dudgeon, Joseph Hume
Corps Regiment No Rank
Royal Dragoons Lieutenant
Royal Dragoons Captain
Date 1914-1920
Catalogue reference WO 372/6

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7676372&queryType=1&resultcount =8

Name Dudgeon, Joseph Hume
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Service No: 20286
Regiment: The Royal Scots Greys
Theatre of Combat or Operation: North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia)
Award: Order of the British Empire
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 23 September 1943
Date 1943
Catalogue reference WO 373/71

London Gazette:

13 October 1914
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/28935/pages/8136

The undermentioned to be Second Lieutenants. Dated 14th August, 1914:-
2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys), Second Lieutenant Joseph Hume Dudgeon, from South Irish Horse.

1 February 1918
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30507/supplements/1603

Awarded the Military Cross.
Lt. Joseph Hume Dudgeon, Dns.

2 July 1918
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30780/supplements/7904

Lt. Joseph Hume Dudgeon, Dns.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took command of his company when all the officers-had become casualties. By skilful dispositions, under heavy fire, he succeeded in holding his position and repelling an enemy attack.

9 March 1945
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36977/supplements/1366
ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS. The Greys.
Maj. J. H. Dudgeon, O.B.E., M.C. (20286), having attained the age limit of liability to recall, ceases to belong to the Res. of Offrs., 13th March 1945, and is granted the hon. rank of Lt.-Col.


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

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Captain (temporary Major) Noel Patrick McDonald, Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps, was awarded the Military Cross.

This officer, on October 27th, 1942, while commanding his squadron in its first action showed outstanding bravery and fine leadership through four days and nights of arduous operations.

Having lost three tanks on a minefield under heavy artillery and anti-tank fire he led his tanks on to engage successfully enemy tanks and two 88-mm. guns. He continued to engage them until another squadron came in on the left flank. His tank then was hit and commenced to lose oil. With only eight rounds of ammunition from another position, having accounted for three enemy tanks and two 50-mm. anti-tank guns. He later personally supervised the recovery of his three damaged tanks in the face of the enemy.

Major McDonald was born in Dublin.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/search-results.asp?searchtype=browserefine&query=first_na me%3dnoel%7clast_name%3dmcdonald&catid=22&pagenumb er=1&querytype=1&mediaarray=*

Recommendation for Award for McDonald, Noel Patrick
Rank: Captain
Service No: 134840
Regiment: Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps
Award: Military Cross
Recommendation for Award for McDonald, Noel Patrick
Rank: Temporary Major, Captain
Service No: 134840
Regiment: 41 Royal Tank Regiment
Award: Military Cross

London Gazette:
18 June 1940
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/34877/supplements/3766

R.T.R.
The undermentioned to be Lts. 22nd June 1940:—
Serjt. Noel Patrick MCDONALD (134840).

26 January 1943
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35879/supplements/524

The Military Cross.
Captain (temporary Major) Noel Patrick McDonald (134840), Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps (Chingford, Essex).

26 November 1946
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37800/supplements/5835

ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS. The undermentioned Lts. to be Capts. with seniority, 1st July 1946: —
26th Oct. 1946: — (War Subs. Maj.) N. P.; MCDONALD, M.C.(134840).

10 December 1946
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37815/supplements/6064

R.A.C.
Capt (War Subs. Maj.) N P. MCDONALD, M.C. (134840), to be Maj., 14th Dec. 1946.

12 August 1947
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/38046/supplements/3831

R.T.R.
The undermentioned Majs. from R.A.C., to be Majs., 16th Aug. 1947, retaining their present seniority: —
N. P. MCDONALD, M.C. (134840).

13 July 1948
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/38353/supplements/4068

R T R
Lt (War Subs Maj ) N P MCDONALD, M C (134840), formerly R A C , to be Capt , 26th Oct 1946, with seniority, 14th Dec. 1941 (Substituted for the notifn. in Gazette (Supplement) dated 29th Nov 1946)

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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Lieutenant (temporary Captain) Robert Jacob Griffith, Royal Armoured Corps, was awarded the Military Cross.

On February 28th, 1943, part of a squadron were returning to take up their positions at first light, when the squadron leader’s tank was knocked out. Captain Griffith, who had been delayed on the way owing to a broken-down vehicle, arrived shortly afterwards, and very coolly and competently organised the defence of this vital area. He remained in command until March 5th, and during this period was responsible for holding the position by day and night.

On the morning of March 1st six enemy tanks were subjected to artillery fire; one was immobilised and all abandoned by their crews. Captain Griffith went out on foot and entered one of these tanks. He brought back information on which an operation for the complete destruction of the tanks was organised and successfully carried out. Captain Griffith displayed marked powers of leadership and initiative. The position was frequently under fire and Captain Griffith went out many times on foot to locate the enemy guns and to secure valuable information of enemy tanks and infantry movements.

Captain Griffith played a very valuable part in the stopping of the tank thrust on Beja.

He comes from Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

From Gerry's site:
http://northirishhorse.net/Decorations/Citations/MC/Griffith.html
Wiki page on NIH:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Irish_Horse

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7646286&queryType=1&resultcount =3

Name Griffith, Robert Jacob
Rank: Captain
Service No: 134399
Regiment: North Irish Horse, Royal Armoured Corps
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
Award: Bar to the Military Cross
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 24 August 1944
Date 1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/7

London Gazette:
24 August 1944
http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/issues/36668/supplements/3923/page.pdf

Bar to the Military Cross.
Captain (temporary Major) Robert Jacob Griffith, M.C. (134399). North Irish Horse, Royal Armoured Corps (Blackrock/Co. Dublin).

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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Lieutenant (temporary Captain) A.C. Doyle, Royal Tank Regiment, was awarded the Military Cross in 1942.

On November 20th, 1941, at Gabr Taieb el Essem, Captain Doyle, in spite of his flank being exposed, units on either side having been forced to withdraw, held his position and checked the enemy advance. Throughout a very intense engagement he showed the highest courage and exceptionally cool leadership.

In addition, at Abier En Nheidat on November 29th, Captain Doyle, by clever and courageous guidance, manoeuvred his squadron into a position from which at practically point-blank range he engaged and destroyed 16 enemy tanks without loss to himself. This successful action was undoubtedly due to his quick appreciation and personal leadership.

Captain Doyle’s home is at Baily, Co. Dublin.

Captain (temporary Major) Arthur Charles Doyle, M.C., Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

On the morning of July 11th, 1942, the battalion advanced to Alam Nayal, and there gained contact with some 25 German tanks. The enemy attacked strongly with thirteen on the front and twelve on the left flank. Major Doyle’s squadron was in battle line on the left flank and was thus in great danger of being outflanked. The formation of the ground was such that if his squadron had given ground the remainder of the battalion would have been in a very precarious position. Several of his tanks were hit, including his own, and his gun was put out of action. One of his crew was wounded.

In spite of this he stood firm, and by his inspiring leadership and courage held his squadron on their position. This enabled a counter-attack to be organised and the enemy were beaten back. During a temporary lull in the fighting Major Doyle sent his tank back for repairs and “mounted” another one.

This officer has shown throughout a complete disregard for his own safety and held his squadron firm in battle line despite very heavy fire of both high explosive and armour-piercing shot and frequently against superior numbers of tanks. His courage and steadiness under fire cannot be too highly praised.

Major Doyle was born in Dublin.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7653748&queryType=1&resultcount =3

Name Doyle, Arthur Charles
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: 5 Battalion Royal Tank Regiment
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Middle East (Egypt and Libya)
Award: Military Cross
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 20 January 1942
Date 1941-1942
Catalogue reference WO 373/18

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7655711&queryType=1&resultcount =1

Name Doyle, Arthur Charles
Rank: Captain
Service No: 140546
Regiment: Royal Armoured Corps
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Middle East (Egypt and Libya)
Award: Distinguished Service Order
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 18 February 1943
Date 1943
Catalogue reference WO 373/23

London Gazette:
30 July 1940
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/34911/supplements/4731

16 February 1943
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35908/supplements/863

The Distinguished Service Order.
Captain (temporary Major) Arthur Charles Doyle, M.C. (140545), Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps (Baily, Co. Dublin).

25 December 1945
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37404/supplements/6276

R.A.C. .
2nd Lt. (War Subs. Maj.) Arthur Charles DOYLE, D.S.O., M.C. (140545) from Emerg. Commn. to be Lt., 29th Dec. 1945, with seniority, 22nd Oct. 1940.

19 February 1946
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37478/supplements/1067

R A C
The notifn. regarding 2nd Lt. (War Subs. Maj ) Arthur Charles DOYLE, D S.O., M.C. (140545), in Gazette (Supplement) dated 28th Dec 1945 is cancelled.

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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Tom,

Having read some of your stories i believe you were based within the Barnard Castle area with the RAC.
I am trying to find out if anyone remembers Ray Turner,he was apparently based at either Staindrop or deerbolt camps during the war years and served in Egypt.Unfortunately he was killed on his way home from demob.Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
pete