- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel
- Unit:
- 86th (Hertfordshire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, XXX Corps, British Army
- Awarded on:
- December 21st, 1944
"On 22 September 1944 a German Battle Group, which included tanks, SP guns and infantry, broke into the axis of the 30th Corps in the vicinity of VEGHEL. Detachments of 101 US Airborne Division which were protecting the route were hardly in sufficient strength to offer effective resistance without artillery support.
Col FANSHAWE, who commands 86 Field Regiment, was in the column SOUTH of VEGHEL with part of his HQ and two batteries. Also in various parts of the column were a Field regiment, a Medium battery, and certain sub-units of a HAA regiment.
Col FANSHAWE made a quick appreciation. He organised the various artillery units and sub-units into a group which he proceeded to command. As a result of this prompt action the American infantry were effectively supported, and the fire power directed by Col FANSHAWE contributed largely towards repelling the German attacks and helped to avert a critical situation.
Throughout the action which lasted over 36 hours Col FANSHAWE displayed courage, daring, and cool determination. He was an inspiration and a fine example to those under his command. On one occasion he assisted an American anti-tank detachment to knock out a German tank which suddenly appeared within 50 yards."