Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

42nd Battalion Machine Gun Corps, 42nd (East Lancashire) Division, British Army

Awarded on:

July 26th, 1918

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in covering the retirement of the infantry with his section of machine guns, holding up the attack and causing the enemy heavy casualties. Later, when a shell landed in the centre of the gun limbers, he went out under heavy fire and unhitched the killed and wounded horses, so enabling the transport to move away to cover."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

Planning Section, General Staff, Headquarters, British Expeditionary Force (BEF), British Army

Awarded on:

July 11th, 1940

"Lt-Col R.N. Gale has been very highly commended to me for the unremitting application which he showed throughout the preparation of plans for the movement of the British Expeditionary Force to France when he was GSO 2 in General Staff (Planning) Section. During the past few months, as GSO 1 in the same section, he has shown marked ability, initiative and energy in assisting in co-ordinating the preparation of important operational plans."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Major-General

Unit:

Headquarters, 6th Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

June 20th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Major-General

Unit:

Headquarters, 6th Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

August 31st, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Neptune

"On June 12th 1944, 12th Battalion Parachute Regiment attacked Breville supported by artillery fire. Major-General Gale went to a vantage point to observe the preliminary artillery concentration. On proceeding to 1st Special Service Brigade HQ he discovered that some of the guns were falling short into No.6 Commando area. He proceeded to this area to investigate and joined up with a company of 12th Parachute Battalion. He walked forward into Breville over open ground which at the time was being swept by all types of fire. His presence among the forward elements, still wearing his beret continued with the utmost coolness and calmness, suggesting more an exercise than the middle of a very bloody battle had such an amazing effect on the troops that wounded and attackers alike cheered and attacked with such elan that nothing could resist them. The Battalion by this time had lost its Commanding Officer and General Gale's presence without any manner of doubt contributed largely to the success of the attack. General Gale's complete disregard for his own personal safety, his popularity with the troops and his cool and calm manner has on several occasions since the beginning of this campaign been an inspiration to officers and men alike."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major-General

Unit:

Headquarters, I Airborne Corps, British Army

Awarded on:

March 22nd, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major-General

Unit:

Headquarters, I Airborne Corps, British Army

Awarded on:

August 2nd, 1945

"General Gale, General Officer Commanding, 1st Airborne Corps served as Deputy to Major-General Ridgway Commander XVIII US Airborne Corps and prior to the Airborne commitment of this Corps - in a similar capacity throughout the planning stages. His sound judgement, professional knowledge and forcefulness reached the highest standards of the military profession. As a Corps Commander he applied himself with unflagging [will?] and by his personality was the [inspiration?] of his entire staff. His work is deserving of the highest praise and of high [award?]."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-general

Unit:

Headquarters, I Airborne Corps, British Army

Awarded on:

January 16th, 1948

"Major General Richard Nelson Gale, C.B.E. M.C., British Army, as Deputy Commander, First Allied Airborne Army, from December 1944 to May 1945, distinguished himself in the Allied cause by his professional knowledge, cooperative attitude and skillful leadership. In operational planning, his understanding of the capabilities of airborne troops was a highly valuable reference source to the planning staff. His success as Commanding General, 1 British Corps, contributed spectacularly to the Allied cause. He was Deputy Field Commander in the great airborne crossing of the Rhine River, where his indomitable leadership and timely appearance at critical places played an important part in the success of that operation. General Gale's outstanding and varied services in positions of great responsibility contributed materially to the Allied war effort."

Rank:

Lieutenant-general

Awarded on:

June 8th, 1950

Rank:

General

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1953

Rank:

General

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1954

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

General

Awarded on:

December 28th, 1956

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

General

Awarded on:

December 28th, 1956

With palm leaf

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)