Drury, Robert Esmond Hill
- Date of birth:
- September 16th, 1910
- Date of death:
- May 1988
- Service number:
- 87001
- Nationality:
- British
Biography
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Esmond Hill Drury DSO MC was born in 1910, he attended Monkton Combe School and joined the OTC and later Territorial Army, being appointed a Second Lieutenant on the 19th April 1939 into the 44th Bn Royal Tank Regiment RAC. Posted to the Middle East he was promoted to a Squadron Commander in July 1942 and later appointed Commanding Officer of 1st Scorpion Regiment. In the post was years he transferred to the North Somerset Yeomanry and was awarded the TD on the 16th May 1961. He died in May 1988.
Promotions:
2nd Lt.19.04.1939
WS/Lt.12.03.1940
T/Capt 12.03.1940
WS/Capt.?
A/Maj.?
T/Maj.1943
WS/Maj.28.03.1943
A/Lt.Col.1943
T/Lt.Col.28.03.1943-(04.1944)
Hon. Lt.Col.04.1946
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Military Cross (MC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Major
- Unit:
- 44th Battalion Royal Tank Regiment, 1st Armoured Tank Brigade, 9th Australian Division, Australian Army
- Awarded on:
- September 24th, 1942
"On 17th July 1942 "C" Sqn 44 R. Tanks commanded by Major Drury was ordered to support 2/32nd Battalion of the 24 Aust Inf Bde in an attack S.W. of El. Alamein. The enemy were in strength with well concealed anti-tank and machine guns. During the whole of the attack Major Drury handled his Squadron with great skill and determination and through his cool judgement saved the Battalion he was supporting heavy casualties from M.G. fire on several occasions. Subsequently when it was found necessary to withdraw from the forward position Major Drury covered this withdraw with his Squadron thus permitting the Infantry to pull back with comparatively few casualties. Later in the day Major Drury accompanied by No. 7918080 L/Cpl S.R. Hackney proceeded on foot and rescued two seriously wounded men under heavy machine gun fire. Major Drury displayed great powers of leadership during the whole day and showed the utmost coolness under fire."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Lieutenant-Colonel
- Unit:
- "T" Scorpion Regiment, 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division, British Army
- Awarded on:
- July 22nd, 1943
"Lt-Col R.E.H. Drury was in Command of the "T" Scorpion Regt operating with the 50 (N) Div in the attack on Mareth Line on the night 20/21 March 1943, and later with 51 (H) Div in the attack on Akarit positions on 6th April 1943. The Scorpions were of necessity in the forefront of the battles and in these operations cleared gaps in the face of heavy shell and mortar fire through deep and complicated minefields covering the enemy positions. Lt Col Drury showed complete disregard of danger and his high courage was an inspiring example to his men. His resourcefulness, enthusiasm and encouragement he gave to all concerned were largely responsible for the successful clearing of the gaps which enabled the Infantry and supporting tanks pass through to their objective."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Awarded on:
- May 16th, 1961
Sources
Photo
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