Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

1st Battalion The East Lancashire Regiment

Awarded on:

January 24th, 1945

Recommendation:
"This officer came out to France in July 1944 as a company commander and served with distinction during the Normandy battle up to the Falaise gap, where he was wounded in the leg and evacuated to England.
On 17th January 1945 he returned to BLA to duty with this Battalion and again commanded a company right through the fighting in the Reichswald, across the Rhine, Aller and Elbe until the final conclusion of hostilities last month.
He is quite imperturble under fire. On every occasion in action he has set his company an exceedingly gallant example of leadership and aggressive determination. During the fighting at Ibbenburen (Map Ref 0999) this officer's company engaged an enemy consisting of a NCOs' school and an Officer's school. During more than 48 hours the company was continually under fire from an enemy who fought with fanatical determination to the last man and the last round. Again and again Major Duxbury personally led house clearing parties against various strong points until finally the lines of the Weser-EMS canal was reached. His company sustained very heavy casualties but he reached his objective.
Subsequently during the crossing of the River Aller he again led his company with great distinction against a numerically superior enemy and went on from success to success. Never once has this officer failed to capture his objective. The distinction which has always attended the Company's efforts is due very largely to the untiring cheerfulness and aggressive leadership which this officer displayed in all conditions and in spite of all difficulties."