Rank:

Lieutenant

Awarded on:

September 15th, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Awarded on:

March 22nd, 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

7th Battalion Hampshire Regiment, 130th Infantry Brigade, 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

April 12th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Blackcock

On 23 Jan 45 Major D Rooke was commanding this battalion in the absence of his CO. The Bn objectives were the villages of PUTT and WALDENRATH and an advance of about 3000 yards was made across country in kangaroos in the dark. PUTT was captured by first light and then the advance to WALDENRATH started. Almost immediately a minefield was struck and flails had to be brought up to clear gaps for the tanks and crocodiles. The final objective was captured together with 5 officers and 203 OR prisoners and there were very few casualties. There were so many mines in the area that no physical contact with the Battalion could be made until late that night.
Major Rooke was constantly with the forward coys and I consider that owing to his drive and enthusiasm and his careful planning the success of this operation was largely due... (the rest appears to be missing)

Second MC awarded as a Bar.