62427 Lieutenant-Colonel John Derek HORNUNG, OBE, MC, MiD, 2 Irish Guards

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Hornung, John Derek
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: 2 Battalion Irish Guards
Theatre of Combat or Operation: British Expeditionary Force 1939-40
Award: Military Cross
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 22 October 1940
Date 1940-1942
Catalogue reference WO 373/16

Boulogne. 22/23rd May, 1940.

Lieutenant HORNUNG was Intelligence Officer 2nd Battalion Irish Guards throughout the Battalion operations.X This officer showed at all times a complete disregard of danger and as a result of his coolness, his skill and his initiative in seeking information, he was always able to present an accurate and complete account of the situation.

On the night of 22/23rd May Lieutenant HORNUNG led a most important patrol and the information which he gleaned proved of great value. During the first two or three hours of the attack on the 23rd May, Lieutenant HORNUNG personally manned a Bren gun in a very exposed position near Battalion Headquarters. This gun was constantly in action and by its presence and the effectiveness of its fire imposed great delay and caution on the enemy who were at that time trying to work their way between one of the forward companies and Battalion Headquarters.

During the later stages of the withdrawal Lieutenant HORNUNG was personally responsible for posting many of the Bren guns and anti-tank rifles which protected the flank and rear of the Battalion.

By his example bearing he helped to keep those about him in high spirits. No Battalion Commander could have wished for or obtained more willing, wholehearted or valuable support.

 

The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details
Name Hornung, John Derick
Rank: Major
Service No: P/62427
Regiment: Headquarters Guards Division
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Foreign to British: Belgium
Award: Chevalier of the Order of Leopold II with palm and Croix de Guerre 1940 with palm
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 08 December 1945
Date 1945
Catalogue reference WO 373/111

 

Army Number:
Rank: Lieutenant
Name: J D HORNUNG
Unit: 1 Irish Guards
GSM & Clasp: GSM, Palestine Clasp 1936 - 1939
TNA Reference: WO 100/503

 

https://macleanhistory.org/resource...0-sup36994-p1557_chfm-gallant-service-ww2.pdf

IG

 

Personal Number: 62427
Rank:
Name: John Derek HORNUNG, MC, MiD
Unit: Irish Guards

London Gazette : 31 January 1936
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34251/page/672/data.pdf
The undermentioned officers, from Supp. Res. of Off., to be 2nd Lts. 31st Jan. 1936 : —
I. G'ds.—
2nd Lt. John Derek HORNUNG, I. G'ds.

2nd Lt. John Derek HORNUNG, I. G'ds.
London Gazette : 1 February 1944
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36353/supplement/570/data.pdf
I. G'ds.
The undermentioned Lts. to be Capts.:—
31st Jan. 1944:—
J. D. Hornung, M.C. (62427)

London Gazette : 22 March 1945
https://macleanhistory.org/resource...0-sup36994-p1557_chfm-gallant-service-ww2.pdf
Mentioned in Despatches
I. G'ds.
Maj. (temp.) J. D. Hornung, M.C. (62427).

London Gazette : 21 June 1945
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37138/supplement/3218/data.pdf
The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotions in, and appoint- ments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe:—
To be Additional Officers of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:-
Lieutenant-Colonel (temporary) John Dereck HORNUNG, M.C. (62427), Irish Guards (Cowfield, Sussex).

London Gazette : 11 May 1948
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38284/supplement/2863/data.pdf
FOOT GUARDS.
I. G'ds. .
Capt. (War Subs. Maj.) J. D. HORNUNG, O.B.E., M.C. (62427), retires, receiving a gratuity, 9th May 1948, and is granted the hon. rank of Lt.-Col.

London Gazette : 5 January 1965
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/43540/supplement/192/data.pdf
FOOT GUARDS
I. G'ds
REGULAR ARMY RESERVE OF OFFICERS
Maj. (Hon. Lt.-Col.) J. D. HORNUNG, O.B.E., M.C. (62427), having attained the age limit, ceases Res. of Offrs., 5th Jan. 1965. to belong to Res. of Offrs., 3rd Jan. 1965.