Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

42 Assault Regiment, 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

December 21st, 1944

Recommendation:
'This officer commanded his Troop during the operation starting 10th September, for the capture of Le Havre with conspicuous gallantry and great initiative. He got through the initial minefield with only one other AVRE besides his own but he immediately headed it full speed for the nearest enemy strongpoint, which was holding up the infantry. An anti tank gun was silenced before it could open fire, as were several machine guns. Immediately after this Captain Warde led his two AVRE and one Crocodile to another enemy post which was silenced by petard fire and flame. On the third and last day of the action Captain Warde with his Troop in conjunction with an Infantry Company carried out a most successful operation around the edge of the plateau on the south east outskirts of Le Havre, which resulted, after liberal use of petard bombs, in the position surrendering. During this Op the AVRE were up to 200 yards ahead of the Infantry and had no support form other guns or tanks. It was the speed with which this operation was concluded that enabled other formations to advance into the town.'

WO 373/49/641

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

617 Assault Squadron, 5th Canadian Armoured Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

October 11th, 1945

Recommendation:
'On the night of 16/17 April 1945, 617 Assault Squadron, Royal Engineers, were harboured about 2 miles east of Otterlo. Considerable enemy activity had been heard during the night and at 0615 hours 17 April, it was reported that the enemy had attacked Otterlo with a force composed of elements of 4 Battalions and had succeeded in penetrating the defences, were fighting in the midst of other units in the village and were working up the road towards the 617 Squadron harbour. Captain Warde, with his troop of 6 AVRE's, was immediately despatched with orders to stop the enemy and give what help he could in the village. He led his troop towards the village and met the enemy advancing up the road within 800 yards of his unit lines. Without hesitation his troop rushed the enemy force, firing Petard and Besas and killing all Germans in sight. He then continued into the village and along the Appeldorn Road, engaging enemy infantry enrolee and relieved the over-run field Battery and "B" Company, Irish Regiment of Canada, whose position was then very serious. He then made contact with Commanding Officer of the Irish Regiment and in co-operation with them and using the full fire power of the troop they were able to clear the enemy from the village. Before and throughout the operation, Captain Warde had no information about the enemy or the general situation. His coolness and the very prompt action he took on his own initiative, this despite the fact that the AVRE tank has no weapon that can engage enemy tanks, proved a decisive factor in relieving the serious situation that had beset the units in Otterlo. Throughout he displayed outstanding gallantry and led and handled his troop with remarkable skill, dash and efficiency. His own tank was hit three times by shell fire or panzer faust without serious damage. During this sharp action that lasted approximately one hour, his troop accounted for an estimated total of 75 to 100 Germans killed or wounded, and played an important part in routing the enemy.'

Second MC awarded as a Bar.
WO 373/55/714

Rank:

Major

Awarded on:

June 15th, 1985

Recommendation:
'Major Warde joined the Army with a War Commission in 1941 and served with the Royal Engineers until 1959. He won an MC in the assault on Le Havre in 1944 and a bar to the MC in the follow up from the Rhine crossing in 1945. His service after the war included tours at the Royal Military Academy, Staff College, and Ministry of Defence and concluded with his retirement in 1959. Since 1971 Major Warde has been employed with the Territorial Army as a Permanent Staff Administrative Officer, taking his present post with 39 Signal Regiment in 1974. To this appointment he had contributed skill, knowledge and judgement well beyond that usually found and he is a reference point for other units and departments on procedures and contacts. He has contributed considerably more than his part to the smooth running and social life of the Regiment for the whole of his tour and his influence and interests extend well into the City of London as well as the Ministry of Defence and Territorial Army and Volunteer Reserve Associations.

The Regiment's links with the Worshipful Company of Skinners including social and welfare activities, have been dependent on his initiative and many soldiers are in his debt for this sponsorship. He has been the treasurer of the Warrant Officer's and Sergeant's Mess and has guided them through many social activities to the considerable benefit of the Regiment. Equally the Officer's Mess has received spontaneous support out of duty hours on which it is dependent for smooth running and continuity. Due to the spread of the Regiment from Tunbridge Wells to Dundee he has had to extend his activity as the Senior Administrative Officer to Squadron Supervision in most aspects of voluntary as well as duty tasks. Finally it is as the Commanding Officer's guide in matters outside the routine administrative and manning of the unit that Major Warde has excelled in application of judgement and experience. His combination of knowledge and spontaneity will be sadly missed and he is strongly recommended for an award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)