Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

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Captain (temporary Major) Laurence Owen Michael Meade, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was awarded the Military Cross.

During the battle of Catania on July 18th-19th, 1943, Major Meade displayed a very high level of personal courage and leadership. His tenacity and activity in moving round his area encouraging his men were largely responsible for the defeat of the enemy attacks over a period of eight hours’ bitter and confused fighting.

In very hard fighting against German tanks and infantry, Major Meade handled his company with outstanding ability. Several times both his flanks were penetrated and his calmness and courage in the very difficult and critical situation were most noticeable. He was wounded while personally leading a platoon, which was placed under his command, into position.

His personal courage and energy were exceptional. He was wounded in the shoulder by a burst of machine-gun fire but retained his cheerfulness while having the wound dressed, refusing to leave his company until it was decided he was physically unfit from loss of blood to remain on his feet.

Major Meade was born in Dublin.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7644175&queryType=1&resultcount =1

Name Meade, Lawrence Owen Michael
Rank: Captain
Service No: 73132
Regiment: 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Sicily
Award: Military Cross
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 21 October 1943
Date 1943-1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/3

London Gazette:
23 August 1940
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/34931/supplements/5205
19 October 1943
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36217/supplements/4662
24 August 1945
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37239/supplements/4321


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Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Beauchamp Henry Butler was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

Lieutenant-Colonel Butler’s task was to secure the right half of the river Simeto bridgehead, and much depended on this operation’s success.
This officer led his battalion with great gallantry. Throughout a hard day’s fighting he was tireless in his efforts to ensure success, personally directing the fire of his anti-tank guns and mortars at centres of resistance; launching attacks and never giving a desperate and determined enemy any loophole. Lieutenant-Colonel Butler was under continuous and accurate short-range machine-gun and rifle fire and mortar fire for many hours, but his complete disregard of danger and his inspiring example to his battalion ensured the success of the operation.

This officer has also rendered distinguished service in the attack on Centuripe and in the crossing of the River Salso.

Lieutenant-Colonel Butler was born in Rathvilly, Co. Carlow.

thePeerage.com - Person Page 19452

Lt.-Col. Beauchamp Henry Butler was born on 7 January 1902. He was the son of Charles Richard Butler and Ethel Elizabeth Jane Newton. He married Vera May Stewart, daughter of Major William Stewart, on 8 June 1938. He died on 27 October 1943 at age 41, killed in action.

Lt.-Col. Beauchamp Henry Butler fought in the Second World War. He gained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the service of the 1st Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He was decorated with the award of Companion, Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.).

The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details

Name Butler, Beauchamp Henry
Rank: Major,Temporary Lieutenant Colonel
Service No: P.17713
Regiment: The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers attached 1 Battalion The Royal Irish Fusiliers
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Sicily
Award: Distinguished Service Order
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 18 November 1943
Date 1943-1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/3
16 November 1943

Gazette Website: PDF Navigator
22 August 1944
Gazette Website: PDF Navigator
21 September 1943
Gazette Website: PDF Navigator

CWGC :: Casualty Details
Lieutenant Colonel BEAUCHAMP HENRY BUTLER D S O, 17713, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Cdg. 1st Bn., Royal Irish Fusiliers who died age 41 on 27 October 1943
Son of Charles R. and Ethel E. J. Butler; husband of Vera May Butler, of Clogher, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
Remembered with honour SANGRO RIVER WAR CEMETERY
Grave/Memorial Reference: VIII. D. 29.


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From The Times, Friday, Jun 02, 1944

OBITUARY
FALLEN OFFICERS
CAPTAIN NORMAN J. CRAWFORD, M.C., G.M., The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who has been killed in action in Italy at the age of 22 years, was the son of the late Lieutenant-Colonel J.N. Crawford, D.S.O., and Mrs. Crawford of Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire. He was awarded the George Medal last September for saving several men who were swept away while landing on the beach at Palmi, Italy. He worked at the sea end of a life line and was continuously knocked down by the waves, yet only one man in the battalion was drowned, owing to Captain Crawford's outstanding courage. In March last he was awarded the Military Cross "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy." He was reported wounded in January last and again at the beginning of last month.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7675576&queryType=1&resultcount =3

Name Crawford, Norman Joselyn
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: 187770
Regiment: The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Non-Combatant Gallantry
Award: The George Medal
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 11 January 1944
Date 1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/68

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7644806&queryType=1&resultcount =3

Name Crawford, Norman Jocelyn
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: 187770
Regiment: 2 Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
Award: Military Cross
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 09 March 1944
Date 1943-1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/4

London Gazette:
6 June 1941
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35186/supplements/3316
7 January 1944
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2372758
7 March 1944
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36415/pages/1149

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2372758
Lieutenant NORMAN JOCELYN CRAWFORD M C, G M, 187770, 2nd Bn., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers who died age 22 on 18 May 1944
Son of Lt.-Col. James Norman Crawford, D.S.O., and of Helena Gabrielle Crawford (nee Rhodes), of Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire.
Remembered with honour BEACH HEAD WAR CEMETERY, ANZIO
Grave/Memorial Reference: XIV. F. 2.



[Please note that this man is not part of the Volunteers from Eire list]

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Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Joseph Patrick O’Brien-Twohig, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

On the afternoon of July 18th, 1943, the battalion was ordered to capture a new bridgehead over the River Simeto. After a fight the bridge was secured and three companies had passed over it by nightfall. The Germans, realising the danger of this threat to their flank, then began to reinforce strongly. All through the night the enemy mortar and machine-gun fire increased in intensity, and at dawn a determined counter-attack supported by tanks was pushed against the bridge while infantry attempted to cross the river and outflank the Inniskillings. The weight of the attack drove the Inniskillings back over the bridge, and three of the four company commanders were either killed or wounded. In these difficult circumstances the gallantry and leadership of Colonel O’Brien-Twohig were outstanding and entirely saved what might have developed into a very critical situation. Moving about with complete disregard of the intense enemy fire he was always at the place where the threat was greatest, encouraging and inspiring his men by his own coolness and determination. He personally reorganised his men into new positions as they fell back over the river and established so strong a line that the attack was halted and no German ever succeeded in placing a foot on the bridge. A counter-attack by our own tanks and infantry was now launched and this, combined with the fierce resistance of the Inniskillings, decided the Germans to withdraw. Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien-Twohig did not know of our counter-attack or that the enemy had withdrawn, but noticing a lull in the enemy firing and realising the great importance of again securing the bridge, he went forward alone to reconnoitre and finding the bridge clear at once pushed his men forward across it to retake the position, which thereafter remained firmly in our hands. There is no doubt that the final success of the operation was very largely due to the conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien-Twohig, whose courage, determination and leadership according with the highest tradition of the Service and inspired all who saw him.

Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien-Twohig comes from Dublin.

Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Joseph Patrick O’Brien Twohig, D.S.O., The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order.

On the night of January 17th-18th, 1944, a battalion of The Royal Inniskillings, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien Twohig, was ordered to force a crossing of the River Garigliano and to capture the east end of the Minturno Ridge. The operation involved crossing the river in assault boats, traversing a broad expanse of plain held by machine-gun posts, and finally taking the ridge itself, which was very steep and woody, protected by deeply dug entrenchments and covered by extensive minefields.

When the first company of the Inniskillings was crossing the river an unlucky burst of shellfire holed all the boats except one, which later sank, and caused numerous casualties. Almost at the same time another salvo fell in the battalion assembly area, while a third destroyed the reserve boats. Undismayed by these setbacks Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien Twohig led his battalion to another crossing a mile lower down the river, getting them across in the boats of another battalion and having his two leading companies on the start line in time to advance behind the barrage. In spite of heavy casualties the Inniskillings stormed the ridge and captured their objectives. A counter-attack drove them off one of them but Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien Twohig personally reorganised them on the remaining high ground which he held firmly until he was able to organise a further attack which finally routed the enemy.

Throughout this long and difficult action this officer gave an inspiring example of gallantry and leadership. With complete disregard of danger he personally organised and encouraged the men and produced a complete recovery from a succession of setbacks which might well have proved fatal to the success of the operation.

During the advance a shell fell beside him, killing two officers and four signallers. Although painfully wounded and considerably shaken, he refused all offers of assistance and evacuation and insisted on continuing to command and lead his men. The successful completion of the task was largely due to this personal example and encouragement and he gave an outstanding example of courage and leadership at a time when those qualities were most urgently required.

Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien Twohig comes from Dublin.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/search-results.asp?searchtype=browserefine&query=last_nam e%3do%u2019brien-twohig&catid=22&pagenumber=1&querytype=1&mediaarra y=*

Recommendation for Award for O'Brien-Twohig, Joseph Patrick
Rank: Major, Temporary Lieutenant Colonel
Service No: 33116
Regiment: 2 Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Award: Distinguished Service Order

Recommendation for Award for O'Brien-Twohig, Joseph Patrick
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Service No: 33116
Regiment: 2 Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Award: Bar to Distinguished Service Order

Recommendation for Award for O'Brien Twohig, Joseph Patrick
Rank: Brigadier
Award: Commander of the British Empire.

London Gazette:
27 August 1943
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36153/supplements/3879
19 October 1943
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36217/supplements/4661
27 June 1944
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36586/pages/3069
9 July 1946
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37648/supplements/3608

Listed:
The Times, Friday, Oct 22, 1943

ARMY AWARDS
GALLANTRY IN SICILY
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
Lt.-Col. J.P. O'BRIEN-TWOHIG, R. Inniskilling Fus.

The Times, Friday, Jun 30, 1944

ARMY AWARDS
SERVICES IN NORMANDY AND ITALY
BAR TO DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
Lt.-Col. J.P. O'BRIEN-TWOHIG, R. Inniskilling Fus.

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From The Times, Wednesday, Mar 17, 1943

FUSLIERS IN ARAKAN
OLD ASSOCIATIONS IN GALLIPOLI

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
G.H.Q., INDIA, MARCH 16

By a happy coincidence The Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who are fighting in the present campaign in Burma, were in the same brigade, forming part of the famous 29th Division, at the Helles landing in Gallipoli during the last war - The Lancashire Fusiliers won six V.C.s before breakfast on the same day, and they still talk about it down on the Mayu river. These two battalions have borne themselves with outstanding though sometimes reckless courage in Arakan, where the sniper and the artfully concealed machine-gun nest take their toll on any frontal move, and their casualties have not bee light.

The Inniskillings, who have been in the East since 1934 - they arrived in India four years later - had already been engaged in last year's Burma campaign, in which they suffered heavily. They were flown in as storm troops towards the end, and took part in a series of rearguard actions that covered the British withdrawal. Not counting many who were evacuated sick, they came out of Burma extremely depleted, and were brough up to strength mainly by drafts from other regiments. The little knew that they would have the opportunity to pay off old scores so soon on the Mayu Peninsula, where they have led some of the fiercest attacks on the Nullah, near Donbaik, in which the enemy's stubbornest defences are concentrated.


PRISONERS RETURN
Many Inniskillings have returned to their lines after having been taken prisoners. One non-commissioned officer did so after lying low for seven days with Japanese all round him; for three days they were so close that he dared not move. The regiment's Bren carriers, too, have been conspicuous in several assaults, and altogether you hear many a brave tale of the Inniskillings when you go down to Donbaik.

Some of the deeds for which men of The Lancashire Fusiliers and The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers have been decorated are related to-day in official citations. Lance-Sergeant J. Byrne, of The Lancashire Fusiliers, who receives the D.C.M., led his platoon with courage and coolness during an action in the Rathedaung area. It was caught in the open by a heavy crossfire, but Bryne reorganized his men and held on to some captured ground until ordered to withdraw four hours later. He withdrew from a difficult position skillfully, and although severely wounded, continued to command his platoon until moved to the rear.

Corporal J. Scott, of the Inniskillings, who is also awarded the D.C.M., volunteered to go out in a carrier to tow in another which was out of action and on fire in full view of the enemy. Under intense fire he reached he blazing carrier, dismounted and adjusted the tow chain. It took a long time and twice the chain came off, but Scott succeeded in bring the damaged machine in.

Fusilier W. Newman, the driver of Scott's carrier is awarded the M.M. as are two of The Lancashire Fusiliers for their gallantry as stretcher bearers.

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Fusilier William James Newman, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was awarded the Military Medal.

At Donbaik, Mayu Peninsula, Burma, on January 19th, 1943, the carrier driven by Fusilier Newman was damaged by enemy anti-tank gunfire on the open beach, but was unable to return to its harbour. Fusilier Newman immediately volunteered to drive another carrier out on to the beach to tow in a carrier which was damaged by enemy fire and was burning. This latter carrier was in full view of the enemy and under intense fire. Fusilier Newman manoeuvred his carrier into position while the tow chains were adjusted by a corporal who accompanied him; this he did on two later occasions when the tow chains parted, with the result that the carrier was saved from falling into enemy hands.

Fusilier Newman comes from Dublin.

The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details

Name Newman, W
Rank: Fusilier
Service No: 7046536
Regiment: 1 Battlion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Burma
Award: Miltiary Medal
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 08 April 1943
Date 1942-1943
Catalogue reference WO 373/30

London Gazette:
6 April 1943
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35969/supplements/1619

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From The Times, Friday, Dec 24, 1943

INNISKILLINGS' FINE WORK
TUNISIA, ITALY, AND BURMA
FROM OUR MILITARY CORRESPONDENT
A battalion of The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was among the units which, in the words of General Montgomery, were given "the supreme honour of being the first troops of all the allied armies to land on the mainland of the continent of Europe." The troops were inspired by the significance of the task which lay before them and by the parting address of the commander of the Eighth Army.

An officer has described the crossing of the Straits of Messina, at first in uncanny silence, then under the thunderous roar of the barrage fired from the Sicilian shore, which appeared as one long fire of flame. As he neared the Italian shore the smoke became so thick that he could see only a few yards. Unable to see the beach, they struck it with a bump which literally threw many men out of the craft.

After all that had gone before in North Africa and Sicily, and in view of their expectations, the landing came as an anti-climax, but the climb into the mountains under a scorching sun was another matter, and some men fell out, exhausted by the heat. However, resistance was still not serious, and they reached the crests which were their objective long before they were expected to.


FIERCE ENGAGEMENTS
Brigaded with The Royal Irish Fusiliers and London Irish Rifles (now a battalion of The Royal Ulster Rifles) in the Irish Brigade, the Inniskillings had been continuously in action for six months in Tunisial. In mid-January they fought a whole series of fierce engagements in the region of Mejez-el-Bab, the heaviest fighting being on the feature called Two-Tree Hill. In late February they took part in defeating the last serious German attack in that area. In the actions preliminary to the final assault the battalion also had a very stiff task. The capture of one hill took it three days, in the course of which it was twice driven back. It wore down the enemy, who finally surrendered.

Another battalion of the Inniskillings, after being in the East since 1934 and in India since 1938, covered itself with distinction in both the campaigns in Burma, and suffered heavy loss in the great retreat as well as substantial casualties in fighting in Arakan early this year. Some of the stories which have been published in the regimental journal, the Spring of Shillelagh, bring out vividly the extraordinary feats of endurance required of the troops in Burman and the suffering which they had to undergo.

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Sergeant C. Kelly, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

The address of his next-of-kin is Bray, Co. Wicklow.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7652807&queryType=1&resultcount =1

Name Kelly, C
Rank: Serjeant
Service No: 3855935
Regiment: 2 Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
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

Listed:
The Times, Friday, Jul 12, 1940

ARMY AWARDS
REARGUARD GALLANTRY
DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL
KELLY, SERGEANT, C., ROYAL INNISKILLING FUSILIERS

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From The Times, Friday, Jul 12, 1940

ARMY AWARDS
REARGUARD GALLANTRY
MILITARY CROSS

SHAW, CAPTAIN (ACTING MAJOR) D.M., ROYAL INNISKILLING FUSILIERS

During the night of May 23 Captain Shaw's company when holding a wide sector near Plouvain, was heavily attacked, and a part of their position was lost. He at once led his small reserved and counter-attacked a much superior force. Several of his men were hit, but Captain Shaw and the handful of men then with him closed with the enemy and inflicted sufficient losses with grenades and rifle fire to check the enemy's advance and restore the position. Though cut off for a considerable time, Captain Shaw, by skilful use of grenages, succeeded in breaking through the enemy, who had surrounded him, and rejoined his company.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7652760&queryType=1&resultcount =1

Name Shaw, D M
Rank: Major
Regiment: 2 Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
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

[Please note that this man is not part of the Volunteers from Eire list.]

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Lieutenant (acting Captain) Desmond Kerr McCaldin, the Inniskilling Fusiliers, was awarded the Military Cross.

On February 24th, 1943, Captain McCaldin led a platoon attack. Artillery fire had put out of action three machine-gun posts, but a fourth remained. This officer advanced on this himself, silencing it with a Tommy-gun at short range. There were two members of the crew, who were both killed.

He then led the platoon on, capturing eight prisoners and killing between 20 and 30 enemy.

Captain McCaldin comes from Monaghan.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7642823&queryType=1&resultcount =1

Name McCaldin, Desmond Kerr
Rank: Acting Captain
Service No: 198205
Regiment: 6 Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Theatre of Combat or Operation: North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia)
Award: Military Cross
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 22 April 1943
Date 1943
Catalogue reference WO 373/1

London Gazette:
1 August 1941
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35236/supplements/4506
20 April 1943
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35987/supplements/1846

Listed:
The Times, Saturday, Apr 24, 1943

ARMY AWARDS
IN RECOGNITION OF GALLANT AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICES IN NORTH AFRICA
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
A/Capt. D.K. McCaldin, Infantry

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