Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

1st Battalion The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Canadian Army

Recommendation:
During the attack on the village of Verrières on 24/25 July 1944, Lt-Col J.M. Rockingham, OC. 1st Btn, The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, displayed remarkable courage and resourcefulness.
When the leading companies were due to pass the start line at Troteval Farm it was found that three enemy tanks were facing the battalion at distances of 400 to 700 yards. These tanks sprayed the leading companies with machine gun fire as the troops approached. Lt-Col Rockingham immediately organized his battalion six pounder anti tank guns and RCA seventeen pounder guns on the start line and shot it out with the enemy tanks until the latter were forced to withdraw and the infantry able to proceed.
During the advance towards the objective the Commander of “D” Coy and all NCO’s were killed and the company became pinned to the ground by heavy machine gun fire. Lt-Col Rockingham went forward and reorganized this company and directed it onto the objective. By this action he undoubtedly prevented the collapse of the attack on the left.
Enemy opposition to the approach and close in fighting in Verrières was very stubborn. Lt-Col Rockingham was always in the forefront of the battle directing the attack and encouraging his troops. His determination to reach his objective fired every man in the battalion.
During the consolidation phase Lt-Col Rockingham went forward from Coy to Coy under mortar fire and continuous sniping while he organized a solid defense of the village. One enemy sniper fired several shots at Lt-Col Rockingham effecting graze wound in the Col’s face. Lt-Col Rockingham stalked the sniper and killed him. This act was typical of this officer’s offensive throughout the whole action.
Later in the day the enemy counter attacked heavily with infantry and tanks and although penetration was made in the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry position the situation was quickly restored and the position held.
During this action Lt-Col Rockingham completely embodied the qualities of the infantry commander. He showed great coolness, good judgement, determination and ability as a leader. His dash and offensive eagerness infected the whole battalion and contributed in no small degree to the success attained.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

9th Canadian Infantry Brigade, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

June 2nd, 1945

Recommendation:
Brigadier John Meredith Rockingham with his 9 Canadian Infantry Brigade was under command 51st (Highland) Division for the assault crossing of the Rhine at Rees 23 March 1945. The role of the brigade was to pass through a 51st (Highland) Division brigade, which was to capture the villages of Speldrop and Bienen, and to expand the bridgehead to the North West.
Elite German paratroops, skillfully led, provided stiff opposition to the assault and follow-up, and only the outskirts of Speldrop and Bienen had been reached by 1730 hrs 24 March when Brigadier Rockingham was ordered to take over the battle with his brigade.
From the first this officer demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, skill and personal courage under fire, which have characterized his command throughout the hard fighting in Normandy, Belgium and Holland.
He spurred on his battalions in valorous attacks on heavily fortified positions. Speldrop fell that night. Bienen was only taken on 25 March after Brigadier Rockingham, in full daylight and in view and under heavy enemy fire, made a fresh appreciation and realigned his attacking units. Then, with an additional infantry battalion placed under command, followed thirty-six hours of the heaviest type of close infantry fighting against a fanatic enemy.
Largely through the unceasing day and night close, personal direction of Brigadier Rockingham, by 26 March, 9 Canadian Infantry Brigade had captured the villages of Speldrop, Grietherbusch, Bienen, Millingen and Praest, effected a heavy toll of enemy dead and wounded; captured over five hundred prisoners and expanded bridgehead to the North West.

This award was obtained in the form of an Bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With palms on the ribbon.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1946

Citation:
"This officer joined the Non-Permanent Active Militia in 1933.
On the outbreak of hostilities in 1939 he was appointed to the Canadian Army (Active) with 1 Battalion, Canadian Scottish Regiment and proceeded overseas with this regiment as a Captain in 1941.
On 20 August 1942 this officer was appointed Company Commander in the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry in the rank of Major and held this appointment until appointed to command this battalion on 14 April 1943.
On 8 August 1944 he was appointed Brigadier in command of 9 Canadian Infantry Brigade and led this brigade throughout its battles in Northwest Europe.
For his leadership of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry this officer was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and later a Bar to this Order for his leadership of 9 Canadian Infantry Brigade.
On the cessation of hostilities in Europe Brigadier Rockingham returned to Canada for further duty in the Pacific. Due to the cessation of hostilities in the Far East this officer requested to return to Reserve status.
Brigadier Rockingham has made a splendid contribution to the Canadian Army and his outstanding services are considered worthy of recognition."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Awarded on:

April 4th, 1946

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Awarded on:

August 3rd, 1946

With "Palme".

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Brigadier

Awarded on:

August 3rd, 1946

With "Palme".

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)