Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) David Dawnay, 10th Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales’ Own), Royal Armoured Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for devotion to duty and outstanding leadership during operations between April 5th, 1943, and April 26th, 1943, in support of an infantry brigade. During this period Lieutenant-Colonel Dawnay’s “Churchills” accomplished feats in support of the infantry which were previously considered impossible. Owing to this skilful manoeuvring, outstanding leadership and determination to give the maximum support to the infantry he was very largely responsible for the capture of at least three important objectives including “Longstop” with comparatively light casualties to personnel and tanks. During battle Lieutenant-Colonel Dawnay keeps the closest control over his sub-units and by his firm command combined with encouragement invariably gets the very best out of his officers and men. His own action in battle is an inspiration to his battalion. Lieutenant-Colonel Dawnay was born in Waterford. From Gerry's site: http://www.northirishhorse.net/articles/21.html http://www.northirishhorse.net/articles/8.html http://www.geocities.com/vqpvqp/nih/addenda/Dawnay.html http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/search-results.asp?searchtype=browserefine&query=first_name%3ddavid%7clast_name%3ddawnay&catid=22&pagenumber=1&querytype=1&mediaarray=* Recommendation for Award for Dawnay, David Rank: Lieutenant Colonel Service No: 28293 Regiment: Attached North Irish Horse Royal Armoured Corps Award: Distinguished Service Order Recommendation for Award for Dawnay, David Rank: Lieutenant Colonel Service No: 28293 Regiment: Royal Armoured Corps, 21 Army Tank Brigade Award: Bar to Distinguished Service Order London Gazette 8 April 1941 http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35133/supplements/2090 26 June 1945 http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37151/supplements/3375 16 July 1946 http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37657/supplements/3726 20 February 1948 http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/38217/supplements/1417 See this thread for ref: http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/research-material/19413-volunteers-eire-who-have-won-distinctions.html#post195852 :irishflag[1]:
DFB - After Afrika - we got him as Brigade Commander - 21st Tank Bde - just before the Diadem battle at Cassino - he took us all the way through the Gothic Line to Venice - then he disappeared into another big job - he was good leader and most apologetic when he announced that my battalion - 145th RAC was to be broken up and the NIH would take our place......the avatar I display was made in Italy to celebrate his arrival........ and some said it was a self portrtait ! he was a bit of a devil - but a good leader - caught us swimming when allegedly broken down - didn't say much to us I thought he wanted a swim also - he said more when we lost a Tank from sheer stupidity - a lot more -using words I had never heard before !!! Cheers
Hi Tom,Hope this is the right Brigade Commander, and you don't mind me posting this link.My favourite story of yours anyway.BBC - WW2 People's War - Green Envelopes for Tank Brigade, Rimini
DBF - That's the one and only - I still get a chuckle out of the memory of that - unfortunately we got another Tank in the a.m. but it didn't last too long as it was knocked out and we lost Trevor - with Harry and myself wounded - then in the December we were broken up for spares as we were running out of bodies by then... Cheers
Captain (temporary Major) Anthony Desmond Rex Wingfield, Royal Armoured Corps (Hussars), was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and leadership in action. Major Wingfield was commanding the leading squadron of his regiment in the action with the enemy north-west of Saunnu on January 23rd, 1942. The squadron was attacked by 12 German tanks from the left, and simultaneously enemy anti-tank guns opened fire at short range on his right flank. With skilful use of smoke and by brilliant handling of his squadron, Major Wingfield not only extracted his squadron from a delicate position, but by his initiative overran and destroyed several anti-tank guns and killed their crews. He subsequently engaged the enemy tanks, which were forced to withdraw after several had been hit. Later, he personally returned in his own tank under fire and collected the crews and the wounded of his disabled tanks. No praise can be too high for this officer’s outstanding courage, leadership and devotion to duty. Major Wingfield was born in Dublin. Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel), 39358, Anthony Desmond Rex Wingfield, M.C., Royal Armoured Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. On March 26th, 1943, his regiment was detailed to protect the echelons and cover the rear of an Armoured Brigade during its advance on El Hamma during the night 26th-27th. Lieutenant-Colonel Wingfield, as night fell, found the echelons held up by a defile with the enemy on his right and left. He deployed his force in pitch darkness to protect the echelon and succeeded in getting the whole of his force through the defile without loss. When the advance continued at midnight the echelons came under fire from the flanks from enemy who had been left behind during the advance. Lieutenant-Colonel Wingfield handled his force in such a manner that no casualties were incurred and a large number of prisoners were collected. At first light a tank attack by the 15th Panzer Division started to develop against the rear of the division. Lieutenant-Colonel Wingfield immediately moved his regiment at high speed to frustrate this attack. He went ahead himself under fire to reconnoitre positions for his squadrons before they arrived. The speed with which this operation was carried out prevented any serious attack developing, and gave time for the divisional anti-tank screen to get into positions. The enemy tanks withdrew hastily as soon as the regiment arrived. Lieutenant-Colonel Wingfield’s example of determination and courage under fire in very trying circumstances was an example to everyone who came into contact with him, and it was mainly due to him that the echelons were moved successfully through the enemy positions during the hours of darkness and that the rear of the division was saved from enemy tank attack at first light. Lieutenant-Colonel Wingfield was born in Dublin. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/search-results.asp?searchtype=browserefine&query=scope%3d39358&catid=22&pagenumber=1&querytype=1&mediaarray=* Recommendation for Award for Wingfield, Anthony Desmond Rex Rank: Captain Service No: 39358 Regiment: 10 Royal Hussars Award: Military Cross Recommendation for Award for Wingfield, Anthony Desmond Rex Rank: Major Service No: 39358 Regiment: 10 Royal Hussars Award: Distinguished Service Order Recommendation for Award for Wingfield, Anthony Desmond Rex Rank: Brigadier Service No: 39358 Regiment: 22 Armoured Brigade Award: Officer of the Order of Leopold with palm and Croix de Guerre 1940 with palm London Gazette: 28 May 1943. Gazette Website: PDF Navigator 1 June 1943 http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/issues/36037/supplements/2517/page.pdf 23 September 1947 Gazette Website: PDF Navigator See this thread for ref: www.ww2talk.com/forum/research-material/19413-volunteers-eire-who-have-won-distinctions.html#post195852 :irishflag[1]:
The Times, Friday, Sep 04, 1942 HUSSARS' WAR RECORD GALLANTRY ON MANY FRONTS Some details of the services in this war of the Hussar regiments in the British Army have just been issued. These regiments, once the lightest of light cavalry, are now all mechanized, but they retain their identity through forming part of the Royal Armoured Corps. Two regiments, the 15/19th and the 10th, one north of the Somme, the other landing at Cherbourg, took part in the fighting in France, but the theatre of which there is most to tell is North Africa. There the 7th, 8th, and 11th Hussars were the first troops to go into action after Italy's entry into the war, distinguishing themselves by their bold, almost impudent, raids, and manoeuvres beyond the Libyan frontier. Finally, when the Italian Army came forward in earnest, they were withdrawn. In General Wavell's offensive of December, 1940, these three regiments again took a brilliant part. It is difficult to choose among outstanding actions, but mention should be made of the feat of Lieutenant C.A. Halliday and his troops in capturing 400 prisoners in an attack on the first day. All through the pursuit and in practically every action they played their part. In the race from Mekili to cut the Benghazi-Tripoli road the 11th was in the van, and the 7th was the first to engage the huge Italian column coming down from the north. In General Auchinleck's offensive of last November the Hussars were once more in the forefront. One of their greatest feats was when the brigade, under the command of Brigadier G.M.O. Davy, swept forward on to Sidi Rezegh aerodrom and captured 19 aircraft with their crews. In January comes the first mention of another regiment, last seen in France, the 10th. One squadron under Major A.D.R. Wingfield was simultaneously attacked on one flank by 12 German tanks and on the other by anti-tank guns. He first charged the anti-tank guns, destroying several and killing the detachments. Then he turned on the tanks and forced them to withdraw. IN GREECE AND CRETE Hussars also took part in the fighting in Greece and in Crete, fully living up to the tradition they had established in North Africa. It was near Ptolemais on the Epirus front that Sergeant G. Clarkson, covering retiring infantry with his tank, destroyed two German tanks with his first three shots. The Hussars next fought in Crete. It was there that Sergeant-Major W.J. Childs began the day of May 20 by shooting five German parachutists as soon as they had landed. That afternoon he accounted for several of the enemy who were guarding British prisoners of war. On the 26th he took part in a successsful counter-attack. On the 29th he took his tank to the aid of a British unit which, as a result, was able to hold a strong point at Imbros throughout the day. On May 30, in the retreat from Imbros to Sphakia, he repeatedly held up the enemy, thinning their ranks with accurate fire. The Hussars were also engaged in Burma, where they did very fine work on several occasions. Wherever they have appeared they have lived up to their old tradition for dash.
The Times, Thursday, Aug 17, 1939 LIGHT TANK CORPS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND COUNTY CONTINGENTS FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT BELFAST AUG 16 The formation of a Light Tank Corps for Northern Ireland, announced in the House of Commons some months ago, is now being undertaken, and the War Office has decided to allot the Corps to the counties of Tyrone, Fermanagh, and Armagh. This is the area of the old North Irish Horse, and means the revival of this Corps in a mechanized form. The scheme for forming a Light Tank Corps for Northern Ireland was put forward by the Prime Minister (Lord Craigavon) some months ago when discussions were taking place on the extension of the Territorial Forces in Northern Ireland. The headquarters of the Corps will be in Enniskillen, with Captain Sir Basil Brooke (late 10th Hussars) in command and Lord Erne (late Royal Horse Guards) as second in command. The Fermanagh contingent will be under the command of Mr. Geoffrey R.J. Corbett, D.S.O. (late of the Coldstream Guards). The Tyrone headquarters will be at Dungannon, and those of County Armagh at Armagh under the command of Captain C.N.L. Stronge, M.C. (late Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers). It is stated that each county will have a force of 100 men in addition to officers, warrant and non-commissioned officers. The counties of Down, Antrim, and Londonderry have formed anti-aircraft and searchlight batteries.
The Times, Wednesday, Apr 05, 1939 NEW ARMOURED CORPS MEN TO BE TRAINED TOGETHER FULL LIST OF UNITS The new Royal Armourd Corps, the formation of which was announced yesterday, will consist of 18 regiments of the Cavalry of the Line which are already mechanized or are about to be machanized, as well as all the units of the Royal Tank Corps, Regular and Territorial Armies (which will be called The Royal Tank Regiment). In view of the decision the mechanized further regiments of Cavalry of the Line, all Regular units - except 1st The Royal Dragoons and The Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons) - of that Corps will be equipped with armoured vehicles analogous to those of units of the Royal Tank Corps. It is, therefore, necessary that the soldiers of all mechanized cavalry regiments and tank battalions should be trained and administered similarly as far as possible, and also, that all such units of the Regular Army serving at home should share the responsibility of providing drafts of trained soldiers for such units abroad. SEPARATE LISTS For the present officers will remain, or be gazetted, to separate regimental lists unless and until they voluntarily accept liability to serve elsewhere. All majors of units of the Royal Armoured Corps will be equally eligible for consideration for selection as the commanding officers of any unit of that corps. For Regular soldiers enlistments in the Royal Armoured Corps will begin as soon as possible, and men enlisting therein will be liable to serve in any Regular unit of the corps either at home or abroad. Soldiers belonging to the cavalry regiments transferred to the Royal Armoured Corps will be transferred to the new corps and posted to one of its cavalry units or to the depot; but in peace time they will not be legally liable, without their consent, to serve in any but Regular cavalry units or the depot of the Royal Armoured Corps during the period of their current engagement with the Colours. Similarly, Regular soldiers of the Royal Tank Corps serving at the date of transfer will be transferred to the Royal Armoured Corps, and may be posted to any Regular unit of the Royal Tank Regiment or to the depot; but in peace time they will not be legally liable to serve, without their consent, in any other unit of the Royal Armoured Corps during the period of their current engagement with the Colours. NEW AGREEMENT On completion of the period of their current engagements with the Colours, Regular soldiers of the new corps, who originally enlisted in the Cavalry of the Line or in the Royal Tank Corps, will be required to agree to serve in any unit of the Royal Armoured Corps, as a condition of prolongation of Colour service. No change in the existing conditions of service of Supplementary Reservists or of men of the Territorial Army is involved. The cavalry regiments which are to become units of the new corps will be relieved of the responsibility for training recruits, which responsibility will be transferred to a Mechanized Cavalry Depot. Ultimately all recruits for the Royal Armoured Corps will be trained together at one depot, and will undergo a course common to soldiers of all units of that corps. For the present there will be no change in clothing. UNITS INVOLVED The units which form the Royal Armoured Corps are as follows:- 1st King's Dragoon Guards. The Queen's Bays (2nd Dragoon Guards). 3rd Carabiniers (Prince of Wales's Dragoon Guards). 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards. 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards. 3rd The King's Own Hussars. 4th Queen's Own Hussars. 7th Queen's Own Hussars. 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars. 9th Queen's Royal Lancers. 10th Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales's Own). 11th Hussars (Prince Albert's Own). 12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's). 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own) 14th/20th King's Hussars. 15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars. 16th/5th Lancers. 17th/21st Lancers. All units at present forming part of the Royal Tank Corps, Regular and Territorial Armies (which will be called the Royal Tank Regiment).
DBF - Good accounts of the Irish in the Hussars - they were everywhere - usually in the softer jobs (sic) - we had one in our Squadron always claimed he was Church of Ireland - and so missed all Church Parades - shot down an ME109 from the top of his tank - and got himself an MM. - a real character... Cheers
From The Times, Saturday, May 10, 1941 MIDDLE EAST AWARDS GALLANT SERVICE RECOGNIZED TANKS CAPTURED BY A TROOPER DARING AND INITIATIVE 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: - MAJOR R.F.G. JAYNE, R.A.C. (Hussars), D.S.O. This officer was in command of a squadron of light tanks which was compelled to withdraw under heavy fire; he noticed the three members of the crew of a tank, which had been knocked out, running from the enemy, and immediately went back 200 yards to their assistance. In spite of concentrated fire from enemy tanks he helped the men on to his tank and got them out of the action. His prompt action and entire disregard for his own safety undoubtedly saved the lives of these men, and it was due to his coolness and presence of mind that the entire squadron was able to withdraw from the action without any other loss. The qualities of judgment and leadership displayed by Major Jayne throughout the campaign have been conspicuous. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/search-results.asp?searchtype=browserefine&query=first_name%3dronald%7clast_name%3djayne&catid=22&pagenumber=1&querytype=1&mediaarray=* Recommendation for Award for Jayne, Ronald Frances Garland Rank: Major Regiment: 7 Queen's Own Hussars Award: Distinguished Service Order Recommendation for Award for Jayne, Ronald Francis Garland Rank: Major Service No: 33394 Regiment: 7 Queen's Own Hussars Award: Bar to Distinguished Service Order TROOPER E. HUGHES, R.T.R., R.A.C., D.C.M. The troop to which Trooper Hughes belonged was ordered to investigate two enemy tanks in the vicinity the Troop Commander had been ordered not to open fire unless it was absolutely necessary, in order to conceal his position, and Trooper Hughes was accordingly sent forward alone on foot to investigate. With complete disregard for his own safety he climbed on to the first tank and demanded the surrender of its crew at the point of the revolver. The crew having surrendered he advanced to the other tank, whose crew also surrendered. This very brave action enabled his troop to remain in their concealed position throughout the night and to take the enemy by surprise when they again went into action. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7653228&queryType=1&resultcount=2 Name Hughes, Elfed Rank: Trooper Service No: 7888901 Regiment: 2 Battalion Royal Tank Regiment Theatre of Combat or Operation: Middle East (Egypt and Libya) Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 09 May 1941 [Please note that these men are not part of the Volunteers from Eire list.]
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. See also 28116 Lieutenant-Colonel George Edward KNOX-PEEBLES, DSO, MiD, Royal Tank Regiment Volunteers from Eire who have won distinctions ...
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 :irishflag[1]:
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_name%3dnoel%7clast_name%3dmcdonald&catid=22&pagenumber=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 :irishflag[1]:
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 :irishflag[1]:
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 :irishflag[1]:
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
http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/north-africa-med/32066-military-cross-award-lt-reginald-whatley-rac-nih-reme.html?highlight=churchills
