Date of birth:

August 31st, 1921 (Hull/East Riding of Yorkshire, Great Britain)

Date of death:

September 14th, 2010

Nationality:

British

Service number 189294.
In 1940, Jimmy Cleminson was called into the Army. He saw action in Norway and in North-Africa in 1942. He was taken prisoner but managed to escape and walked for many miles through the desert before meeting his own unit by coincidence. He subsequently served in Italy.
Cleminson landed September 17th, 1944 near Wolfheze, commanding No.5 Platoon, "B" Company, 3rd Parachute Battalion, which served as a reconnaissance unit for the main body of troops. His platoon opened fire on a German staff car, riddling it with bullets and killing all occupants. After the war, Cleminson found out that he had killed the German military commander of Arnhem, General Kussin.
Contrary to what is laid down in the citation to his MC, Cleminson was not evacuated but was left behind in the house of Kate ter Horst, along with other injured and was taken prisoner by the Germans. Together with John Frost, Cleminson was nursed in a hospital in Obermasfeld until being liberated by Patton’s 6th Army.
After having been discharged in 1946, Cleminson went to work for the family business which became Colman’s after a series of mergers and take overs. In 1976 he had risen to President.
He also became President of the Confederation of British Industry and President of the British Overseas Trade Board.
Even after his retirement, he held various executive posts.
He was knighted in 1982 (CB) and made Knight Commander (KCB) in said Order.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

The Parachute Regiment, Army Air Corps (N. Ferriby) (The Parachute Regiment, Army Air Corps (N. Ferriby))

Awarded on:

September 20th, 1945

Recommenation:
"From September 23 to 26 Lt Cleminson commanded a mixed platoon of 3 Bn in the sector of 1 Parachute Brigade at Oosterbeek. His area during that time was heavily attacked on several occasions by tank and infantry. At no time dit Lt Cleminson allow the enemy to penetrate his position. He inspired his men with his offensive spirit, and never was there any suggestion that the enemy would penetrate. With complete disregard for his own personal safety he led fighting patrols into the skeleton houses which bordered his positon, both day and night. Never for on moment did he allow his vigorous leadership to relax and was always to be found leading where danger seemed greatest. His defence was primarily offensive, he never waited for the enemy but went out to meet him. In all he was attacked six times by day and twice by night, and each time he inflicted heavy damage on the enemy infantry. His fearless courage was reflected in the actions of his men who fought with great gallantry until Lt Cleminson was wounded and evacuated on Sep 26. 44."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

Royal Regiment of Artillery

Awarded on:

March 22nd, 1945

• - Copy of the official recommendation - Stiwot-archive
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37274 published on the 18 September 1945
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36994 published on the 20 March 1945
  - The Battle of Arnhem Archive
  - The Pegasus Archive
  - The Telegraph - Obituaries
  

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House Wounded Brigadier Lathbury

Arnhem - Gelderland

Urquhart's Attic

Arnhem - Gelderland

Memorial Tree Sir James Cleminson KBE, MC

Oosterbeek - Gelderland