Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

The Royal Irish Fusiliers

Awarded on:

October 22nd, 1940

Citation:
"From 19 to 28 May displayed conspicuous coolness and exemplary cheerfulness in command of a coy which was continuously in forward position and frequently under fire.
H. was under his order that the immediate local counter attack north of Ninove which overcame and inflicted severe casualties on the enemy M.G. dets. which had infiltrated round the exposed right flank of the Bn. This immediate counter attack was almost certainly a most important factor in reducing the casualties of the Bn. Capt. Hosfall shot at least one enemy with his revolver.."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

1 Royal Irish Fusiliers

Awarded on:

May 4th, 1943

Citation:
"Near BOU ARADA on the night 28 Feb/1 Mar 43 Major Horsfall was in command of a strong patrol consisting of “D”Coy, les one platoon, the object of which was to move out Northwards from our own positions and harass the supply lines of an enemy force known to be operating in the West. Shortly after starting, the patrol bumped into an enemy M.G. post and received four casualties. Re-organising his patrol, Major Horsfall then led his men on some two miles to a farm found to be occupied by the enemy and succeeded in ambushing a large lorry full of Germans. The patrol was engaged from the farm but withdrew out of range and by skilfull manoeuvring succeeded in capturing two Germans from a party sent out to deal with it.
On the afternoon of 2 Mar 43 near BOU ARADA, Major Horsfall again led a patrol of fifteen other ranks through difficult mountain country reaching a point in enemy territory five miles in advance of our position. On darkness coming Major Horsfall carried out a careful search of the area including several far .... On the route back the patrol entered a farm used by the enemy as a H.Q. narrowly missing capturing some enemy. The information gained by Major Horsfall's patrol proved to be of the greatest value. The success of both patrols in accomplishing their object was entirely due to the leadership, determination and courage of Major Horsfall."

Second MC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first MC.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

2 Battalion London Irish Rifles, The Royal Ulster Rifles

Awarded on:

October 26th, 1944

Citation:
"On the afternoon of 15 May, the C.O. (Commanding Officer) of the Bn (battalion) was killed on recce. When Major Coldwell-Horsfall arrived to take over command that evening, the situation was very confused as the breakthrough of the Gustav Line had just begun. Major Coldwell-Horsfall completed the plan to capture Sinagoga (825177) next morning with considerable skill. On 16 May, Major Coldwell-Horsfall commanded his Bn with great skill and set a magnificent example of personal bravery and leadership. During the action, his Bn captured many P.W. (prisoners of war) and knocked out a number of enemy SP guns and captured their objective with outstanding speed. The success of this operation was largely due to Major Coldwell-Horsfall's excellent leadership."