Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Awarded on:

July 11th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

Headquarters, 1st Airlanding Light Regiment, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

March 20th, 1947

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

"On 20th September 1944, West of Arnhem when elements of three Battalions were forced to withdraw from Arnhem under heavy enemy pressure, Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson was commanding the 1st Airlanding Light Regiment, he immediately assumed command of the area, collected every available man and organised the defence of the area. This position, during this period was being heavily shelled and mortared. Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson showed great initiative and determination and the highest degree of personal courage. By his most excellent example and complete lack of self interest, he was entirely responsible for restoring confidence among the troops, and for the ultimate defeat of the enemy attack by tanks and infantry.

Less determination and disregard to danger on his part would certainly have altered the sequence of events in this area and the whole course of the battle on the 20th and 21st September."

K.B. no. 1, dated 9 February 1946

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Awarded on:

June 10th, 1954

"In recognition of services in Korea during the period 28th July, 1953, to 31st January, 1954."
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"Colonel Thompson has commanded 61 Light regiment since March 53 in KOREA.

Both in action and as a trainer in peace conditions he has proved himself as an outstandingly able officer. Calm and clear headed under fire he has set a very high standard to his Regiment. Since the signing of the Armistice he has had a complete change over of officers and men and his greatest effort in KOREA has been the way in which he has retrained the Regiment.

His knowledge, persistence and hard work deserve recognition."