Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 2 Reception Camp, II Corps, British Army

Awarded on:

December 20th, 1940

"On May 29th 1940 2/Lt CASTLE was in charge of about 60 men holding the northern bank of the canal running N.E. from WULPEN. Throughout the day, in spite of machine gun fire and heavy mortar bombardments from the enemy, he held his position and brought well directed rifle fire to lead on enemy concentrations and small parties attempting to cross the canal. His energy, resource and total disregard of personal danger set a fine example and played a large part in preventing the enemy from crossing the canal."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

1st Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, 7th Indian Infantry Brigade, 4th Indian Infantry Division, British Indian Army

Awarded on:

October 14th, 1949

"Throughout the Battalion's stay in GREECE the services of MAJ CASTLE in re-establishing the Government's authority and directing relief sups to the most deserving were outstanding. His tact and determination for fair play won for him the respect and even affection of the reactionary elements in MACEDONIA. He first displayed his great abilities when acting as an liaison officer between H.M.G. Consult General in SALONIKA Mr. Repp C.M.G. and General BAVIDZIS. He was present during their fateful conference at the H. AXIOS which but for his indefatigable effort, might never have taken place. Again on 24 Feb 45 this officer led the first Brigade Forces to KILKIS to gain firsthand information of conditions in E.A.M. dominated territory. The reception accorded him and the troops under his command was menacing, but by dint of much parlaying between MAJ CASTLE and local leaders of E.A.M., good relation were established even so far as to an excellent official dinner being given to the Battalion officers in their honour. From the shrewd conclusion drawn by MAJ CASTLE in his detailed report of this operation much valuable planning for the future was made easier. When the Battalion moved from the SALONIKA area to DRAMA this officer was made entirely responsible for investigating all stories of atrocities and persecutions. By his allegiant untiring and necessary fearless probing much that might have remained a *** the side of the Greek *** was removed in the remote and *** Mtn region of MACEDONIA. After many days of careful reconnaissance of villages in the BULGARIAN Frontier area, MAJ CASTLE established a Company Detachment on the 22 April in the devastated villages of LEVROYIA the centre of a large area in which had fled the village of in fear of gangs of bandits. By the intensive patrolling of his troops and continuous unearthing of E.A.M. arms MAJ CASTLE restored confidence and a normal way of life in this region. It was during this period that he undertook the fair distribution of UNERA supplies of food and clothing. No simple task in this E.A.M. territory. On his return to DRAMA in May MAJ CASTLE treated with ANTON T*OUS the nationalist leader and brought his shrewd, determined yet tactical handling of this colourful personality much valuable assistance was gained from him in running stocks of arms and bandits to earth."