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_name%3deassie&catid=22&pagenumber=1&querytype=1&mediaarray=* 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 See this thread for ref: www.ww2talk.com/forum/research-material/19413-volunteers-eire-who-have-won-distinctions.html#post195852 :irishflag[1]:
Hi dbf, Please see below the actual DSO citation for Lt Col Eassie signed by BLM himself. Regards Bruneval