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Waller, James

Date of birth:
September 6th, 1911
Service number:
52717
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

James Waller was educated at the Royal Military Academy Woolwich. In the mid 30's he served in India and climbed the mountain Saltoro Kangri in the Himalayas with the mountaineer H.C.J. Hunt in 1935.
He served in North Africa during the Western Desert campaign and was awarded a MC.
Waller was subsequently involved in the battle of Ruweisat Ridge and was recommended for the Bar to his Military Cross by Lieutenant Colonel Lawrenson, Commanding Officer of the 4th Rajputana Rifles, but it was upgraded to a "Special Immediate" award of the Distinguished Service Order by General Alexander, Commander in Chief, Middle East Forces.
In 1948 he was in command of the 10th Anti Tank Regiment.
Waller retired on retired pay on account of disability on 20th July 1951.

Promotions:
27 August, 1931: 2e Luitenant
27 August, 1934: Luitenant
27 August, 1939: Kapitein
16 November, 1940: Acting Major
16 February, 1941: Temporary Major
2 July, 1943 - 5 September, 1943: Acting Lieutenant Colonel
? Major (war sub)
1 July, 1946: Major
1948: Temporary Lieutenant Colonel

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Major
Unit:
Royal Regiment of Artillery (Docking, Norfolk) (Royal Regiment of Artillery (Docking, Norfolk))
Awarded on:
February 24th, 1942
Recommendation:
"For conspicuous courage, ability and devotion to duty during operations at El Duda (Tobruch) from 28th November to 8th December 1941. During this time his positions were under very heavy fire and attacked five times. He carried out a night raid to the Trigh Capuzzo road which undoubtedly denied this important highway to the enemy 24 hours before the situation warranted it. His ability in handling the anti-tank defences of the area, his offensive spirit towards the enemy, his energy and complete disregard of personal danger were an inspiration to all the garrison of this important position."
Military Cross (MC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Major
Unit:
The Royal Regiment of Artillery (Docking, Norfolk) (The Royal Regiment of Artillery (Docking, Norfolk))
Awarded on:
September 24th, 1942
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Recommendation:
"At Point 64 on Ruweisat Ridge. On 17th July 1942, Major Waller drove forward under heavy fire towing a 6 pounder Anti Tank gun behind his Bantam Car and singlehandedly engaged six enemy tanks which were holding up the advance. He knocked out one tank and by the accuracy of his fire, forced the remainder to withdraw. This action enabled infantry and tanks to get forward and secure the objective."

Awarded as an immediate DSO.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Major
Awarded on:
January 13th, 1944
Mentioned in Dispatches

Sources

  • - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35715 published on the 22 September 1942
    - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36327 published on the 11 January 1944
    - Dix Noonan Webb

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