Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

GSO1, Headquarters, 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

January 24th, 1946

1. "Lt-col J. Carter was appoint GSO1 (Air) to 52nd Division when it was training and planning to undertake air-transportable operations in France, Belgium and Holland.
This training and the planning for five major operations demanded a very high standard of Staff Duties including the preparation of immersible and complicated Staff Tables which had to be accurate in every detail.
As this was the first occasion on which an air-transportable role has been planned in detail, Lt-col Carter had to design and organise a completely new procedure in conjunction with not only Headquarters Airborne Corps but also with the British and American Air Forces, and the British and American Airborne Divisions.

2. When the Division eventually joined the BLA in 44 it was required immediately to carry out an assault crossing of the Scheldt estuary. This operation necessitated the splitting of Divisional Headquarters into two Headquarters and Lt-col Carter was made chief staff officer to Burnforce whose task was first to clear Beveland and then advance on to Walcheren from the East. When the operation was succesfully completed Lt-col Carter was appointed GSO1 and was the chief staff officer of the Division during the following battles: (a) the clearing of the Roermond triangle, (b) the clearing of the West bank of the Rhine including the Wesel pocjet, (c) the crossing of the Rhine, and (4) the advance to and the crossing of the Dortmund-Ems canal.

3. Lt-col Carter was always indefatigable. His clear and concise orders and his amazing grasp of essentials without forgetting details materially contributed to the successes achieved by the Division. He took every opportunity to visit the forward troops to ascertain the tactical picture for himself and during these visits his cheerfulness and quiet optimism, imparted confidence and enthusiasm to everyone he met."

Rank:

Colonel

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1955