Award D.S.O. Capt. N.H. Tailyour, 27 Bn Royal Marines

brithm · Nov 17, 2022

Award Distinguished Service Order Capt. (Acting Lieutenant-Colonel Norman Hastings Tailyour, 27 Royal Marines

Lt-Col. TAILYOUR took over command of 27 RM on 8th January 1945 in SCOTLAND. It was then part of a Beach Brigade and was organised on the W.E. of a light battalion. Few of the officers, NCOs or men had any experience of infantry work nor had they been in action before. Six weeks later, on 26th February, 27 RM took over a wide sector on the RIVER MAAS, NW of s’HERTOGENBOSCH.

That this was accomplished smoothly and efficiently was almost entirely due to the organising ability, resourcefulness and a capacity for improvisation shown by Lt-Col. TAILYOUR.

In action this officer has always been a splendid example to his officers and men. His cheerfulness and encouragement were such that, within a very short time, the unit had settled down to its new task and achieved a superiority over the enemy on their front which they never lost.

Near HEUSDEN on the night of 23rd-24th March a strong fighting patrol crossed the river MAAS. When communications broke down and the patrol appeared to be in difficulties, Lt-Col. TAILYOUR crossed the river which by this time was swept by the enemy’s defensive fire. He joined the patrol, rapidly sized up the situation on the spot and gave orders for the completion of the task, which was successfully carried out. The patrol returned having captured a prisoner and wipe out a troublesome enemy machine gun post.

In mid-April the battalion was placed under command of 4 Canadian Armoured Division for the advance into GERMANY. On the 28th April in the KUSTEN CANAL area when the situation was confused, Lt-Col. TAILYOUR personally organised patrols across the canal. His orders to the patrols were given on information gained by personal reconnaissance along the exposed canal bank carried out during daylight under aimed enemy small arms and mortar fire. The success of the patrols was such that the bridgehead over the canal was established much earlier than would otherwise have been possible. On this and many other occasions during this rapidly moving battle his presence wherever there was heavy fighting, showing complete disregard for his own safety, was an inspiration to all those under him.

This battalion’s success in battle and their high standard of morale and espirit de corps are a direct result of the powers of leadership of Lt-Col. TAILYOUR. At no time did he allow his standard to fall, his spirit or energy to flag; this is manifest in the quality and record of his unit.
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WO 373/47/91

IWM A 34836

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Award D.S.O. Capt. N.H. Tailyour, 27 Bn Royal Marines

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Award D.S.O. Capt. N.H. Tailyour, 27 Bn Royal Marines

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