Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain (temporary Major) (acting Lieutenant-General)

Unit:

2nd Armoured Battalion, Irish Guards

Awarded on:

March 1st, 1945

Recommendation:
"On the 10 September 1944, 2nd Armoured Battalion Irish Guards were in support of the 3rd Battalion Irish Guards in the attack on the DE GROOTE BARRIER over the MEUSE-ESCAUT Canal.

Lieutenant-Colonel VANDELEUR commanded his armoured battalion with great skill and dash and under fire from the bridge defences made an excellent plan for the employment of his tanks. Without his assistance it would have been quite impossible to effect the forcing of the crossing.

His planning and orders and employment of his armour undoubtedly played the major part in its success. One cannot speak too highly of the personal courage and leadership displayed by Lieutenant-Colonel VANDELEUR throughout the operations resulting in the capture intact of this most important bridge.”