Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

"D" Company, 7th (Galloway) Battalion, 1st Airlanding Brigade, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

September 20th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

This officer showed the utmost gallantry and leadership throughout the operation. Though wounded on the first day he continued to command his Company through the fiercest of the fighting. On the night of 20th September, whilst visiting an outlying post, he encountered a scout from a German patrol and despatched him with his bare hands, despite the proximity of the rest of the patrol. On 21st September, near Hartenstein, he organised and commanded an attack on an enemy machine gun post, in the course of which he received a second, and severe, wound in the arm. Though suffering acutely he refused to be evacuated and, when later that day the enemy attacked in strength, he led his Company in a counter-attack. During this he received a third, and very severe, wound, in the thigh, and yet remained on the battlefield to cheer his men on. This officer's leadership and fighting spirit were an inspiration to all and greatly influenced the conduct of the whole operation.