Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

Infantry (Canterbury)

Awarded on:

October 26th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

18th London Regirnerit (London Irish Rifles) (Canterbury)

Awarded on:

October 18th, 1945

"Lt-Col Bredin commanded 2 LIR (2nd Battalion of the London Irish Rifles) during the period 12-25 April when 78 Division advanced from Santerno to the Po. This Bn (battalion) was mounted in Kangaroos (adapted armoured cars/tanks) of 4 Hussars and affiliated to the 9 Lancers. On four occasions, this force was launched through the leading elements of the division (78th Infantry Division) in order to exploit success. On each occasion, outstanding results were achieved, the enemy's defences being penetrated and havoc and confusion caused in his back areas. In particular, on April 18th, the force was launched between 36 and 38 Bdes (brigades) in the Consandolo area (Map Reference 237651) and executed a dashing advance of 10,000 yds (yards), capturing the bridges over the Fossa Sabbiosola near Coltra (Map Reference 246677) from the SW (south-west) and reaching the Scolo Bolognese between Portomaggiore (Map Reference 263699) and S (Santa) Nicolo Ferrarese (Map Reference 186714). A bridgehead was established over this obstacle.
In the action, medium arty (artillery) was overrun, tanks, SPs and 88 mm's destroyed or captured and many prisoners taken. Again, on 21 April, the force advancing in the late afternoon and late into the night in bright moonlight seized bridges over the Po Di Volano at Cona (Map Reference 191820) and over the canal at Quartesana (Map Reference 213823). This constituted an advance of 8,000 yds against stiff opposition. Again, the enemy were thoroughly disorganised and all types of equpment seized and many prisoners taken.
These fine successes in a type of operation entirely new to the participants were very largely due to the outstanding skill and powers of command shown by Col Bredin. In these fast-moving battles, he always had a thorough grasp of the situation and acted with admirable speed. Such was the confidence of his Bn (battalion) in his leadership that they cheerfully and enthusiastically embarked upon tasks which might have appeared foolhardy under less inspiring leadership. Lt-Col Bredin's co-operation with his fellow C.O. of the 9 Lancers was a model of what should be done in these circumstances."

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