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Brooke, Frank Hastings

Date of birth:
March 18th, 1909
Date of death:
January 25th, 1982
Service number:
41079
Nationality:
British

Biography

31st January 1946: Major
18th March 1950: Colonel
?: Temp. Major General
11th January 1957: Brigadier
6th January 1959: Lieutenant General (local)

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:
2nd Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment, 160th Infantry Brigade, 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division, British Army
Awarded on:
March 1st, 1945
"During the operation from 22 - 24 October 1944 leading to the capture of HERTOGENBOSCH, 2 Mon under Command of Lt. Coll. F.H. BROOKS was the right forward battalion of the Brigade.
The opposition was known to be strong and this together with the distance and difficult country to be covered, it was realised, would call for the very best from all ranks. That this was given in such full measure was in very large part due to Lt. Col. Brooke.
Throughout the operation he maintained his Command Post forward with the leading troops, where by his outstanding courage and fine disregard of personal danger he dominated the battlefield. This he did in spite of heavy and direct enemy observed fire.
At each phase of the advance his cool determination and consummate skill led the battalion on and by his presence he inspired his men to even greater efforts.
All objectives were gained at amazingly small cost and the battalion accounted for at least 700 of the enemy in dead and prisoners alone."
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel
Awarded on:
March 14th, 1947
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Awarded on:
October 30th, 1953
"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya, during the period 1st January to 30th June 1953."
Mentioned in Dispatches
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Awarded on:
October 26th, 1954
"In recognition of distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1954."
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Rank:
Major-General
Awarded on:
June 12th, 1958
Companion of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB, Military Division)

Sources

Photo