TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Spurling, John Michael Kane

Date of birth:
May 9th, 1906
Date of death:
January 23rd, 1980
Service number:
31731
Nationality:
British

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Awarded on:
July 12th, 1945
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Awarded on:
June 1st, 1953
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Rank:
Major-General
Awarded on:
June 13th, 1957
Companion of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB, Military Division)

War Diary mentions

6 November 1944 WO 171/1302 - 6 Green Howards
The Brigadier (Brigadier Spurling (Leicesters)) visited the Coys in their billets at 1500 hrs.

21 November 1944 WO 171/1302 - 6 Green Howards
The Bde Comd (Brig Spurling) and the DAAQMG (Major Nicholson) visited the CO at Bn HQ.

29 November 1944 WO 171/1354 - 3 Royal Northumberland Fusiliers
Coy Comd attended an O Group at Bde HQ at 1430 hrs and held an O Group at Coy HQ at 1630 hrs. We move off tomorrow to concentrate south of MAESEYK for three or 4 days. Bde alterations as below to take place during the period of concentration. 1/6 and 1/7 Queens being disbanded and replaced by two bns from 50 Div - 9th DLI and 2nd Devons. Brigadier Cox handing over Bde to Brigadier Sperling and going home with 50 Div which is to be a home training unit. 14 Pl to be allotted to 9 DLI and 15 PI to 2 Devons. 13 Pl to remain with 1/5 Queens. 7 Armd Div to pass to command 30 Corps and after concentration period to provide left flank protection to 30 Corps. 30 Corps job to provide left flank protection to Ninth US Army.

6 December 1944 WO 171/1354 - 3 Royal Northumberland Fusiliers
Coy were paraded and taken to the cinema in BREE for an address by the Div Comd in the morning. Brigadier Sperling held a conference to tie up move and take over.

Sources

Photo