Royal Army Service Corps

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Colonel (Temporary) William James Fitzpatrick Eassie, Royal Army Service Corps, was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire for outstanding ability as Deputy Director of Supply and Transport, 30 Corps H.Q.

The operations afforded an exceptionally difficult problem in maintenance.

Not only were all formations constantly changing, but the frequently had to be switched from command of one Corps to another. Remaining cheerful and determined in spite of all the various fluctuations in the situation and the difficulties encountered owing to the movement of enemy raiding columns, Colonel Eassie never once lost control of the supply and transport situation. By forethought, initiative and quick decision, he overcame all difficulties and throughout the operations met all demands to duty which had much influence on the operations. No praise can be too high for this officer’s invaluable work.

Colonel Eassie was also awarded the Distinguished Service Order. He was Deputy Director of Supply and Transport at the start of operations at El Alamein. Throughout this period, by his drive and energy, he did magnificent work which had a direct and powerful bearing on the success of operations.

His imperturbability on all occasions, including during enemy air bombing and machine-gun attacks, was an inspiration to those officers and men with whom he worked. No amount of “road strafing” by hostile aircraft ever deterred him from his frequent visits to all parts of the battle area to encourage his troops to yet greater efforts.

Colonel Eassie was born at Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

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

Recommendation for Award for Eassie, William James Fitzpatrick
Rank: Major
Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps
Award: Officer of the British Empire

Recommendation for Award for Eassie, William James Fitzpatrick
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Service No: 10253
Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps
Award: Commander of the British Empire

Recommendation for Award for Eassie, William James Fitzpatrick
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Service No: 10253
Regiment: Head Quarters 30 Corps, Royal Army Service Corps
Award: Distinguished Service Order

Recommendation for Award for Eassie, William James Fitzpatrick
Rank: Major General
Service No: 10253
Regiment: Staff
Award: Companion of the Order of the Bath

London Gazette:
28 March 1941
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35120/supplements/1866
16 March 1943
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35944/supplements/1299
21 March 1944
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36436/supplements/1370
6 November 1945
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37340/supplements/5448

Listed:
The Times, Wednesday, Apr 02, 1941

MIDDLE EAST CAMPAIGN
DISTINGUISHED SERVICES RECOGNIZED
O.B.E. (MILITARY DIVISION)
Maj. (temporary Lieut.-Col.) W.J.F. Eassie

The Times, Friday, Feb 19, 1943

MIDDLE EAST AWARDS
GALLANT SERVICE RECOGNIZED
C.B.E.
Col. (T) W.J.F. Eassie

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Lieutenant-Colonel (temporary Colonel) William Berenger Statter Deverell, Royal Army Service Corps, was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

This officer has held the appointment of Deputy Director of Supplies at G.H.Q. during the past twelve months, and has been responsible for the efficiency of the supply services in the Middle East.

He has shown exceptional energy, organising ability and devotion to duty. He has successfully overcome the many difficulties which must necessarily arise in running a large and complex organisation during the course of active operations. The work of the Supply Branch under the able and determined direction of this officer has made a most valuable contribution to the success of the operations in North Africa.

Colonel Deverell was born in Dublin.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7682326&queryType=1&resultcount =1

Name Deverell, William Berenger Statter
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Service No: 8554
Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Middle East (Egypt and Libya)
Award: Order of the British Empire
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 06 January 1944
Date 1943-1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/77

London Gazette:
25 December 1942
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35836/supplements/5626

ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS.
Maj. W. B. S. Deverell (8554) to be Lt.-Col., 15th November, 1942.
6 JANUARY, 1944

http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/issues/36317/supplements/150/page.pdf

Colonel (temporary) William Berenger Statter
Deverell (8554), Koyal Army Service Corps (St.
Annes-on-Sea, Lancs.).
13 November 1945

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37350/supplements/5578

ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS.
Lt.-Col. W. B. S. DEVERELL, O.B.E. (8554), on completion of tenure of service as Regtl. Lt.-Col. remains on full pay (supern.), 15th Nov. 1945.
13 August 1948

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/38381/pages/4560

ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS.
Lt -Col W B S DEVERELL, O B E (8554) having exceeded the age limit for retirement is placed on ret pay, 16th Aug 1948, and is granted the hon. rank of Brig

Listed:
The Times, Friday, Jan 07, 1944

ARMY AWARDS
SERVICES IN THE MIDDLE EAST
O.B.E. (MILITARY DIVISION)
Col. W.B.S. Deverell, R.A.S.C.

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Lieutenant-Colonel (temporary Colonel) William Somerset Seymour, Royal Army Service Corps, was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Colonel Seymour has served as Deputy Director of Supply and Transport, Malta Command, for the whole preparation period March to June, 1943, for the invasion of Sicily.

During this period he had to make all arrangements for the reception of large quantities of supplies and petrol and to arrange the transport to move troops staging through Malta to and from the docks, and although faced with a shortage of personnel and transport, on no occasion was there the slightest hitch either in the distribution of rations, victual ling of landing craft or in movement of troops.

Colonel Seymour’s untiring zeal during a very trying period was an inspiration to the R.A.S.C. in Malta.

He was born in Longford.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/search-results.asp?searchtype=browserefine&query=first_na me%3dwilliam%20somerset%7clast_name%3dseymour&cati d=22&pagenumber=1&querytype=1&mediaarray=*

Recommendation for Award for Seymour, William Somerset
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Service No: 10192
Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps Head Quarters Malta Command
Award: Order of the British Empire
Recommendation for Award for Seymour, William Somerset
Rank: Colonel
Service No: 10132
Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps
Award: Commander of the British Empire

Listed:
The Times, Saturday, Sep 02, 1939

WAR OFFICE, SEPT. 1
The following relinquish their appts:-
Maj. W.S. Seymour, R.A.S.C.

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Lieutenant (temporary Captain) Thomas Michael O’Connor, Royal Army Service Corps, was awarded the Military Cross.

On January 15th, 1943, at approximately 1400 hours and prior to the launching of the attack on Tripoli, Captain O’Connor proceeded under orders to make a reconnaissance of a track which would have greatly helped to shorten the route of evacuation of the wounded from the Highland Division, over badly cut up tracks. On reaching the subsidiary main road about three miles west of Buerat the car struck a mine, and this officer and his driver were blown through the roof. Fortunately, though unconscious, neither was badly injured.

On regaining consciousness, Captain O’Connor walked four miles to obtain assistance for his driver. Both were eventually evacuated to the Casualty Clearing Station. Captain O’Connor refused to stay in hospital. He insisted on returning to this duties with the Highland Division, where, as a result of his reconnaissance, he was able to bring the wounded in safely to the Casualty Clearing Station.

During the advance he continued to lead his section in an exemplary manner, overcoming by his resolution extreme difficulties on the long line of evacuation, so saving many lives and much suffering.

His dogged pluck in fetching assistance and devotion to duty were beyond praise and resulted in the satisfactory evacuation of a large number of casualties to Field Ambulances and Casualty Clearing Stations.

Captain O’Connor was born at Arklow, Co. Wicklow.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/search-results.asp?searchtype=browserefine&query=first_na me%3dthomas%7clast_name%3do%27connor%7cscope%3d178 753&catid=22&pagenumber=1&querytype=1&mediaarray=*

Recommendation for Award for O'Connor, Thomas Michael
Rank: Temporary Captain, Lieutenant
Service No: 178753
Regiment: 16 Motor Ambulance Convoy
Award: Military Cross

Recommendation for Award for O'Connor, Thomas Michael
Rank: Captain
Service No: 178753
Regiment: 25 Company Royal Army Service Corps
Award: Member of British Empire

London Gazette:
13 May 1941
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35163/supplements/2789

The undermentioned to be 2nd Lts.: — 28th Mar. 1941: — C.S.M. Thomas Michael O'CONNOR (178753), from I. Gds.

8 August 1941
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35243/supplements/4657
ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS.
The date of appt. of 2nd Lt. T. M. O'Connor (178753) is 1st Apr. 1941, and not as stated in Gazette (Supplement) dated 13th May 1941.

28 January 1947
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37867/supplements/548

2nd Lt. (War Subs. Capt.) Thomas Michael O'CONNOR, (M.B.E., M.C. (178753) from Emerg. Commn. R.A.S.C. to be Capt., 1st Sept. 1946, with seniority, 19th Aug. 1943.

Note:
A C.S.M. T. O'Connor, Irish Guards was listed as wounded in the Times, dated 29 June, 1940.

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Lieutenant (temporary Captain) Albert Victor Hoper, Royal Army Service Corps (attached Royal Indian Army Service Corps), was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

During the whole period under review, this officer was second-in-command of the unit, and as such was responsible for the administrative work of the company. After troop carrying the 51st (Highland) Division throughout the Tripoli operations this unit concentrated at Benghazi by the middle of February and was at once ordered to prepare to carry the 4th (Indian) Division. Owing to the unsparing efforts of Captain Hoper the damage and deficiencies of the previous operations were made good in under ten days and the unit was able to move off to Tobruk to carry the 7th Indian Infantry Brigade with 100 per cent. vehicles on the road.

On the march from Tobruk forward, orders were received for the 2nd Gurkha Rifles to proceed by double stages for a special mission in the forward area. As two platoons with young platoon commanders were involved, Captain Hoper volunteered to take charge of this party. I was later personally informed by the O.C. 2nd Gurkha Rifles of the excellent work Captain Hoper had done in getting the unit forward in forced time under difficult conditions.

While this infantry unit was located in Medenine carrying out intensive patrols into Matmata Hills, Captain Hoper arranged the transport detail himself, and took out some of the largest parties of vehicles carrying patrols over no-man’s-land up to the hills. Throughout the operations this officer worked unsparingly, being always ready to turn out by day or night and spending long hours on the road, locating and seeing to the welfare of detached parties of this company.

Since returning to lines of communication duty he has continued to set a high example of work and efficiency, holding several training courses for N.C.O.s, etc., in addition to his normal duties.

Captain Hoper was born in Kilkenny.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7682243&queryType=1&resultcount =1

Name Hoper, Albert Victor
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: 201899
Regiment: Royal Army Service Corps
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Middle East (Egypt and Libya)
Award: Member of British Empire
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 25 November 1943
Date 1943-1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/77

29 August 1941
Gazette Website: PDF Navigator

ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS
The undermentioned Cadets,
O.C.T.U's, to be 2nd Lts.:— from 16th Aug. 1941: —
Albert Victor HOPER (201899)

23 November 1943 [M.B.E.]
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36261/pages/5172

Lieutenant (temporary Captain) Albert Victor Hoper (201899), Royal Army Service Corps attached Royal Indian Army Service Corps (Parkestone).

17 July 1945
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37184/supplements/3734

Royal Army Service Corps.
Maj. (temp.) A. V. HOPER, M.B.E. (201899).

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Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Richard Thomas Ringwood Macmanaway, Royal Army Service Corps, was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Major Macmanaway was employed at Headquarters, Anti-Aircraft Command, as Assistant Director of Supply and Transport from January, 1942, during which time he was called upon to perform extra duty in the absence of his immediate superior.

His great experience and powers of organisation were major factors in the smooth running of Supply and Transport Services in Anti-Aircraft Command for two and a half years. By sheer will power he refused to allow ill health to interfere with duties which he at all times performed with high efficiency and the utmost tact.

He comes from Monaghan.

http://www.archive.org/stream/MN5034ucmf_0/MN5034ucmf_0_djvu.txt

Richard T. RingWood, ed. at Christ's Hospital, England, and at Campbell Coll., Belfast (where as an athlete he won three silver cups) and at T.C.D. ; became Capt. A.S.C., served in the Great War, and Was mentioned in Despatches ; m. December 12th, 1917, Zelma Norah Kathleen, twin dau, of Sir Robert Gardner, Kt. of Dublin

London Gazette@
28 May 1943
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36033/supplements/2426

9 May 1944
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36509/supplements/2171

12 May 1944
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36513/supplements/2219

Maj. R. T. R. MacManaway, O.B.E. (9888) h.p. list, late R.A.S.C. retires on ret. pay, on account of ill-health, 12th May 1944, and is granted the hon. rank of Lt.-Col.

6 June 1944
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36553/supplements/2735

28 June 1946
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37635/supplements/3380

Possibly a brother of his:
London Gazette:
27 June 1939
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/34640/pages/4352

ROYAL ARMY CHAPLAINS' DEPARTMENT.
The undermentioned to be Chaplns. to the Forces, 4th Cl.:-
Rev. James Godfrey MACMANAWAY, B.A. 25th May 1939.

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Warrant Officer Class I (Staff Sergeant-Major) Vincent Emmet Minahan, Royal Army Service Corps, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

This Warrant Officer has been responsible for all clerical work in the section. Only by his exemplary devotion to duty and his complete disregard of personal consideration has it been possible for the great volume of work passing through the section to be dealt with. He has worked cheerfully and voluntarily for very long hours under very great pressure and his energy, efficiency and unceasing efforts have been an excellent example to the clerks under his control and to those with whom he has worked.

His work has been worthy of special recognition.

Sergeant-Major Minahan was born at Valencia, Co. Kerry.

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Lieutenant (temporary Captain) John Joseph Hartigan, Royal Army Service Corps, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

Captain J.J. Hartigan was in command of a detachment of a general transport company, R.A.S.C.

He landed near Algiers on November 8th, with the initial assault with an infantry brigade and acted as Beach Transport Officer under a major who was the military liaison officer. From this time he worked continuously as organising transport officer, assisting a lieutenant-colonel of a base sub-area to clear the docks and establish depots at Algiers.

On November 17th he, as transport officer, lifted a battalion of U.S. infantry to the forward areas and subsequently moved a battalion of the Buffs to Lac Oubeira.

From November 20th to December 2nd, he worked without sparing himself, organising and clearing stores from the railway to depots at Souk Ahras.

From December 2nd to December 20th, 1942, he worked indefatigably at Souk el Arba at times under heavy enemy air attack, organising the transport under the command of another major, who was town major, and by his untiring energy and devotion to duty with complete disregard of personal safety inspired the personnel under his command to efforts which contributed largely to the successful working of the railheads, etc., concerned.

Lieutenant Hartigan was born in Tipperary.

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From The War Illustrated, Aug 22, 1941

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101 Beach Sub-Area, 1 Corps

T/14724792 Driver William Bertie BROMLEY, 96th DID, ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS

At about 1310 hrs on 9 June 1944 the SSD No. 3 on QUEEN BEACH was attacked by enemy aircraft and the petrol dump fired.

The flames spread almost at once to the adjacent ammunition dump and the whole area became an inferno of bursting petrol cans and ammunition exploding.

Captain G.E. CARTER, O.C. 238 Petrol Depot, RASC, called for a volunteer to drive out of the dump a loaded ammunition lorry. This man immediately stepped forward and at great personal risk, and with absolute calm, drove the vehicle clear of the danger area.

He is nineteen years of age and has been in the Army only 3 months.

LG 31 Aug 1944

Awarded Military Medal

WO 373/48-ir1146-pg82