Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

BRIGADIER NELSON RUSSELL MC                                                      

1943 – TUNISIA.

The citation for Brigadier Russell’s DSO was written in May 1943 by Major General Evelegh, Commander of 78 Infantry Division.

“This officer has commanded his Brigade with distinction throughout the Tunisian campaign. Since joining this Division, he has ably commanded his Brigade during the fighting in the Mahdi area 7 – 10 April and again between 23 April – 2 May during very heavy and arduous fighting in the mountains in the Tanngoucha area.

His personal example in action has been an inspiration to his Brigade.”        

(WO 373/2).

BRIGADIER THOMAS (PAT) SCOTT, DSO.  

1944 – ITALY. 

The citation for Pat Scott’s DSO was written in July 1944 by General Keightley, Commander of 78 Division.

“During the last three months, Brigadier Scott has commanded the Irish Brigade and has displayed outstanding ability and devotion to duty. He has had many difficult operations to carry out and these have been done with the skill and determination which has ensured success. His personality, leadership and example have been inspiration to his men and have been largely responsible for the highest fighting qualities which they have displayed. Brigadier Scott has been involved in long and continuous fighting and during all this time his steadfastness and devotion to duty have been outstanding. During the recent advance upon the River Rapido to Lake Trasimene, his Brigade has been called upon to fight many hard actions and in all these, under his leadership, the brigade has been outstandingly successful.

His service to his country during prolonged active operations has been worthy of the highest praise.”

 (WO 373/11).

Military Cross (MC)

FATHER DANIEL KELLEHER (RA Ch D).                                      

APR 1944 – CAIRA.

“On the 6th April 1944, Rev Kelleher was at 1 RIrF’s Bttn HQ in the Caira area when heavy shelling was reported in the village of Caira causing several casualties to one of the platoons. Rev Kelleher immediately raced to the village which was under heavy shelling. He found the wounded men and assisted the stretcher bearers in their work, carrying men in his arms, at great personal risk, to the shelter of a ruined building.

He comforted the badly wounded men and assisted the over worked stretcher bearers in applying bandages to their wounds.

His cheerfulness and practical assistance undoubtedly saved the lives of two men and gave fresh proof of his unfailing devotion to duty.”

(WO 373/7).