Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

4/5th Royal Garhwal Rifles, 114th Indian Infantry Brigade, 7th Indian Infantry Division, British Indian Army

Awarded on:

January 17th, 1946

"During the operations outside PAKOKKU which culminated in the capture of the town on the 24 February 1945, Major OWEN commanded his unit with skill and determination carrying out all the tasks allotted him without fail or delay.

This young officer assumed command of the battalion during an action at KANHLA, just outside PAKOKKU, when his O.C. was mortally wounded. At that time the success of the action was still in doubt, but Major OWEN quickly took charge and by his personal leadership under heavy fire directed the efforts of the battalion which, with the close co-operation of a squadron of tanks of 116 RAC (Gordons) captured all its objective. The result of this action was to clear the way for the preparation for the opposed crossing of the river IRRAWADDY at NYAUNGU and permitted these preparations to proceed unhindered by the enemy.

Major OWEN's name was continually brought to notice for skillful and determined leadership as a rifle company commander during the ARAKAN operations 1943/44, and during the operations on the JESSAMI track near KOHIMA in June 1944.

Since July 1944 there have been three change in command of the unit. Throughout these changes Major OWEN was the link whereby continuity was maintained, and it is largely due to his efforts that the high reputation and fighting efficiency of the unit was upheld."