Staden Boswell, van, Marthinus "Martin"

Date of birth:: 1917 (South Africa)
Date of death:: May 28th, 1970 (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Service number:: i2o86V
Nationality:: South African

Biography

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Military Cross (MC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Major
Unit:: C Company, 1st Battalion, London Irish Regiment, 167th London Infantry Brigade, 56th London Division
Awarded on:: September 20th, 1945

Recommendation:
"Major Boswell has been commanding 'C' Company, 1st Battalion London Irish Regiment throughout all the actions in which the Battalion has been engaged on the River Senio with the exception of a short period in hospital as a result of a wound. He particularly distinguished himself during the following periods - 20th to 26th February - when his Company took part in the advance up to and capture of the South bank of the River Senio, Square 3333 and during theca period 3rd to 11th March when his Company was holding a stretch of the hear flood bank of the river which was also held on the far side by the enemy and resulted in almost continuous close quarter fighting. At the time of the advance on the bank on the night of 23rd to 24th February, Major Boswell's ingenuity and personal example in the carrying out of each detail of the operation was undoubtedly largely responsible for the success of that operation on his company's sector. During these periods Major Boswell displayed throughout leadership of the highest order. He was constantly up on the bank with his forward sections taking part in grenade battles and personally laid explosive charges in the bank to blow up enemy positions. His cheerfulness and complete disregard for personal safety particularly when taking part in close quarter fighting with his forward sections have been a real inspiration to the troops under his command and have had a direct bearing on the high morale and fighting efficiency of his Company."

Recommendation drafted 4 April 1945.