- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Temporary Colonel
- Unit:
- British Military Administration of the Dodecanese Islands, Land Forces Greece (LFG), British Army
- Awarded on:
- October 14th, 1949
"Col ACLAND was Deputy Civil Affairs Officers in the DODECANESE from 4 August, 1943 to 11 July, 1945. He was responsible for the carrying of food to the islands under conditions of danger of enemy attack and in all types of weather. He was also responsible for the energetic action that had to be taken to deal with thousands of refugees.
In particular, 1945, he quickly organised and got relief for hundreds of islanders who were in many cases starving. In addition Col ACLAND was entirely responsible for saving the lives from starvation of hundreds of refugees including islanders both under our own and enemy occupation. Again at *** on 23 March 1945 when the GERMANS landed suddenly he personally visited his relief detachment which had to hide with large quantities of relief food. He quickly arranged for the disposal of the food and safe conduct of his detachment. This is only an example of the courage and devotion to duty shown on all other occasions. On 8 May, 1945, at the time of the GERMAN surrender he was the senior officers to go to RHODES to enforce the detailed-orders for the GERMAN disarmament.
In all these duties he displayed the utmost energy, skill and tactfulness that could not been surpassed. His skill and energy were an inspiration to all."