“I (Brigadier Scott) decided that it would be some satisfaction to the men who were continually performing some gallant or outstanding act if we published their names in Brigade Orders. I also intended to give a simple certification to each man, recording the fact that their names had been so published. The trouble was that the allotment of ‘Mentions in Despatches’ was very small and it took from nine months to a year for the London Gazette to publish the award.

We felt that this simple token could not be thought by anyone to infringe the general awards and would give COs some way of giving early recognition to good work, which did not quite come up to the standard of an immediate award.

I enclose a copy of the certificate and a list of those published to date in Brigade Orders for outstanding work.

That the idea was sound was encouraged by the fact that the Divisional Commander decided, about two months later, to institute a similar arrangement throughout the Division. His object was the same as mine but he hit on the excellent plan of allowing anyone who was awarded the Divisional ‘Mark of Merit’, to wear a small piece of braid under that their divisional sign. He also decided to make it retrospective to the beginning of October, when we returned from Egypt.

I then made our publication of names in Brigade Orders retrospectively to the same time and that automatically carried on award of the Divisional ‘Mark of Merit’.

2 Innisks.

6980348 Sgt A Boyd.

For outstanding leadership and bravery when attacking Spandau post at Spaduro and for exceptional patrol work in San Clemente area during the period Nov – Dec 44.

7045001 CQMS R Brown.

For delivering rations and supplies entailing journeys with mules under trying conditions during the period from 20 Dec 44 to 25 Jan 44.

6018027 Fus A Day.

During the period Oct – Dec 44, Fus Day has repeatedly distinguished himself in his work as signal linesman. Working often under heavy fire, on the most exposed sections of the front, he has never failed to accomplish whatever task has been given to him, however difficult or dangerous it may have been. In the San Clemente area in Nov 44, he laid and maintained two of the most difficult and dangerous lines to the standing patrols in Valley Farm and at Pt 156.

7043983 Sgt H Hughes.

Whilst holding House 156 in San Clemente area, Sgt Hughes showed great resourcefulness and coolness, when under enemy fire, he launched three cows within fifty yards of enemy positions in order that they might let off a suspected belt of mines.

6982197 Fus J Irving.

Fus Irving has been in charge of the signal terminal with “B” Coy for more than a year and has, in this capacity, ensured the transmission by phone and wireless of all the vital messages from his Coy Commander to Bttn HQ in three major battles. During the action of Spaduro in Oct 44, despite the heavy fire and the difficulty of the ground, working with the assault troops, he passed back by wireless during the battle all the information vital to the battalion Commander.

4458925 Sgt L Kelly.

For laying mines and booby traps in forward positions under extremely difficult conditions and for excellent work repairing billets during period from 20 Dec 44 to 25 Jan 44.

6975320 CQMS A Leinster.                                              

6981459 L/Cpl A Whitlam.

Outstanding work and devotion to duty in maintaining supplies from Cuviola to Casoni, under hardships of climactic conditions and terrain and under shellfire.

14381069 L/Cpl R Lloyd.

For maintaining a very high standard of efficiency in his section throughout the period 1 Oct – 31 Dec 1944 and for… and continuous work on patrol throughout this period.

6983986 Fus H Lonsdale.

Fus Lonsdale has been a Coy’s runner at Bttn HQ for more than a year and has always discharged his duties with the most conspicuous coolness and determination, often carrying important messages from Bttn HQ to his Coy under heavy fire. During the period Oct – Dec 44 when the task of a runner has been an especially arduous one on account of the weather and  the ground, Fus Lonsdale has never failed to carry his message through, however adverse the weather.

6980795 L/Sgt F Lyttle.

Performed outstanding duties when attacking the Spaduro feature on 23 Oct 44.

6977352 Sgt W McCusker.

Performed outstanding duties when assaulting Spaduro feature on 23 Oct 44.

6983063 L/Cpl G Malkin.

On the night of the Spaduro attack, this NCO was a SB in “B” Coy. “C” Coy suffered a few casualties and L/Cpl Makin went over to assist. It was largely due to his quick actions in dressing wounds and the way he carried the wounded down the hill that enabled them to receive early skilled treatment. At all times, he  disregarded personal danger to look after the wounded.

6980270 Fus K Meenagh.

During the period of Oct 44, Fus Meenagh was Coy signaller with “D” Coy. A line forward from “D” Coy HQ to a Platoon position on the forward slope of the Sillaro ridge. This line was repeatedly broken by enemy mortar fire which fell between the Platoon position and Coy HQ. Fus Meenagh went out repeatedly during every night repeatedly during every night to repair this very vital line. To accomplish this, he had on many occasions to crawl several hundred yards through mud across country, which was traversed by enemy patrols.

3860491 L/Sgt J Neary.

When House 156, San Clemente area was being subjected to heavy mortar and MG fire, L/Sgt Neary led a patrol from out of the house and engaged and drove off an enemy patrol that had approached. Throughout this operation, Sgt Neary showed complete disregard for personal safety.

6981706 CQMS S Norton.

Worked tremendously hard under the most difficult circumstances, often shell fire, when supplying the coy with food and ammunition in the most difficult mountainous terrain, in appalling conditions from 23 Oct 44 to 14 Nov 44.

6980896 Cpl W O’Connor.                 6980343 L/Cpl T Topham.

6979415 Fusilier T Dickenson.          6984015 Fusilier J Prosser.

For their excellent work as muleteers, under enemy shellfire, and very adverse weather conditions, during the period 1 Oct to 31 Dec 44. Had these NCOs and men not shown great stamina and determination on occasions, forward coys would not have received rations and ammunition.

6983630 Fusilier W Peden.

For outstanding work in signal lines in exposed positions thus enabling communications with forward platoons to be maintained during period 5 to 17 January.

6977501 Cpl J Quinn.

Outstanding work and devotion to duty when “A” Echelon transport was under shellfire and when an RE 15 cwt truck loaded with explosives received a direct hit thereby igniting a Bttn petrol truck. This Cpl tirelessly worked putting out fires amongst the transport whilst under shellfire.

5509815 Cpl A Richardson.                    6981358 Fusilier J Hutchinson.

6979903 Fusilier J Hunt.  

For cooking under adverse conditions and under mortar and shell fire during period from 20 Dec 44 to 25 Jan 45.

6081505 L/Cpl J Sherburn.

Showed great devotion to duty when evacuating casualties from a minefield on the 23 Oct 44 and again when under shell fire on 26 Nov 44.

2 LIR.

7015055 CSM G Charnick.

For keeping his Coy supplied with ammunition in conditions of darkness, heavy fire and unmarked minefields at Spinello.

5674055 U/L/Cpl M Corp.

For courage and devotion to duty in maintaining supplies and communications to Platoons under enemy fire.

7020851 Rfn S Cummings.

For effective sniping against 3 Para Regiment, particularly on 20 Jan 45 when he inflicted 2 observed casualties, one of whom was probably killed.

7011503 W/CSM G Dardis.

For his outstanding ability and tireless effort in organising supplies by mule in difficult conditions.

6481488 L/Cpl E Edland.

For setting an example of bravery in the attack, to the rifleman of his Coy.

7046631 L/Cpl G Faizey.

For capturing a patrol of four Germans on the night of 17/18 Jan 45.

6357125 Cpl E Flavell MM.

For exceptional steadiness under fire on the night of 16 Jan 45 when he and the standing patrol under his command were caught in a heavy concentration of 28 mm Nebelwerfer bombs.

7021333 Sgt P Francis.

For outstanding service in patrol actions against 3 Para Regiment, particularly in a raid on 3 Jan 45 and on an ambush patrol on 15 Jan 45.

4696490 L/Cpl D Galvin.

For good work whilst a stretcher bearer in evacuating wounded under fire.

7015188 W/Sgt R Graham.

For excellent leadership in commanding his platoon.

5672361 U/L/Sgt W Higson.

For prompt and successful acceptance of responsibility, ie taking over command first of his Platoon and then his Coy after heavy casualties.

6348526 W/Cpl W Johnson.

For cool and courageous leadership of his MMG section during a prolonged series of determined duels against enemy spandaus whilst under shellfire and for his initiative in removing S and Schu mines from the Platoon area in Oct 44.

7018844 Sgt N Johnston.

For courage and devotion, whilst performing the duties of Platoon Commander and Coy Sgt Major, at all times.

7011033 Platoon L/Sgt E Logue.

For consistent devotion to duty and exemplary leadership in action of a standard to be proud of, as a senior regular soldier of his regiment.

7012146 CQMS J McKee.

For maintaining supplies under extremely hazardous conditions, which must have tested his endurance to the utmost.

7011368 Rfn H Murphy.

For devotion to duty in collecting valuable equipment from casualties under fire.

6976296 Sgt C Nixon (ACC attch 2 LIR).

For his services as Cook Sgt in maintaining the highest standard in the company cookhouses by his unfailing energy, cheerfulness and disregard of personal danger.

7019620 Platoon L/Sgt C Connor.

For constant good work in observation and sniping to the detriment of the Hun.

7016159 W/Sgt H Ogilvie.

For outstanding service and able leadership as Platoon Sgt and Platoon Commander of the Mortar Platoon when occupying difficult positions in Dec 44.

7016665 Local CSM G Plummer.

For devotion to duty and maintenance of efficiency in his Coy, both in and out of the line.

2588462 Cpl H Sadler (ACC).

As Coy cook for carrying out his duties in an exemplary manner in trying circumstances.

5336344 Rfn R Steemson.

For maintaining forward signal lines when in close contact with the enemy.

6214604 U/L/Cpl C Thomas.

For coolness, cheerfulness and maintenance of his objective in action.

5954994 L/Cpl H Tidmarsh.

For accomplishing difficult and dangerous work in organising the RAP in battle.

6409561 W/Sgt M Weafer.

For first class leadership in the attack on Spinello when ill with malaria.

1 RIrF.

14561338 Fusilier H Bloomer.

This Fusilier has been a Coy Runner of merit for some considerable time. Always cheerful and conscientious, he has never failed in his duties of guiding or message delivering, both in and out of action.

6984396 Cpl L Cathcart.

On 11 Mar 45, Cpl Cathcart’s post on the east bank of the River Senio was attacked in strength. During a three hour flight, he organised resistance and denied the position to the enemy despite a serious ammunition shortage. His courage was an inspiration to his men.

14506374 L/Cpl C Charlton.

On the night of 10 Jan 45, L/Cpl Charlton was in command of a section in Casa di Sopra, south of Frasinetto. An enemy patrol approached the house and was observed by this NCO, who, together with fire and grenades, killing one and probably wounding others. He displayed initiative and courage in dealing with the situation without reference to his commander.

7045417 Cpl A Copeland (ACC).

Cpl Copeland has cooked for his coy under almost all conceivable conditions, both in an out of action. At all times, he has maintained a high standard of feeding and this fact has in no small way contributed to the morale of his coy.

7045778 Fusilier T Davies (Signals).

This Fusilier has worked hard and efficiently in various capacities within the Signal Platoon. His zeal has been noticeable during the winter months and particularly during the raid on Tamagnin, 18 Dec 44, where he helped to lay a line behind the raiding force and kept this means of communication open throughout the operation.

7043477 Fusilier T Gates.

During the period in the mountains, this Fusilier was outstanding for his steadfast conduct. On 19 Jan 45, an enemy patrol approached his position and, regardless of his own safety, he stood up and hurled eight grenades, dispersing the enemy.

7044594 Fusilier H Hutchinson (Signals).

In the past few months, Fus Hutchinson has worked hard, often under shellfire, to mend broken signal cables. But for his sense of duty, on many occasions, valuable time would have been lost owing to the impossibility of passing messages.

14452064 L/Sgt J Lang.

Throughout the grim fighting of Oct 44 in the mountains and on the plain since, this NCO has maintained a high standard of courage and command which has been an inspiration to his men.

7043341 Sgt P Lynch.

During the recent period on the east bank of the Senio, Sgt Lynch has acted both as Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Commander. In either capacity, he has been outstanding as an example to his men – whether it be at hurling grenades, or firing the 2 inch mortar and the PIAT, from which the latter his Platoon fired 300 bombs during one night. His enthusiasm at tormenting the enemy had a great effect on the morale of his men

6978127 L/Cpl W McComish (Signals).

An outstanding man in the Signal Platoon. Always industrious, under any conditions. During the last few months has shown extreme devotion to duty in the laying and maintenance of lines.

6976706 Sgt G McDratney (ACC attch 1 RIrF).

For excellent service to the battalion as Cook Sgt during the period Oct 44 to Jan 45.

14218774 Fusilier M McLean.

Since the occupation of the positions of the bank of the River Senio, this Fusilier has shown himself to be keen and willing to obey any orders. On various occasions, he has shown initiative and has participated highly successfully in grenade exchanges.

6983573 Cpl C Moore (Signals).

This NCO has been given a variety of tasks in the past winter months and has always tackled them cheerfully, inspiring his comrades with the same attitude whether under fire or adverse weather conditions.

6976935 Sgt J Moorhead.

Sgt Moorhead has been MT Sgt, 1 RIrF for over three years. During this period, he has carried out his duties with skill and efficiency. Throughout the winter months 44/45, he worked hard to keep his transport on the road, under the severest conditions. This involved recovery of vehicles from forward positions whilst under fire.

7043390 Sgt S Needham.

Since the Bttn came abroad, Sgt Needham has acted both as Detachment Commander and Platoon Sergeant of the Mortar Platoon. His performance in action has always been of the highest standard and especially during the attack on Monte Spaduro, when he commanded the Platoon in the absence of his Commander.

7022726 Cpl R Slade.

This NCO has maintained a high individual standard of work in the Pioneer Platoon throughout the past five months and was particularly conspicuous in his patrol and recce prior to the first raid on Tamagnin 18 Dec 44.

7045268 Fusilier T Smart.

During the night on Tamagnin 18 Dec 44, Fusilier Smart displayed great determination and tenacity of purpose.

6978150 Fusilier A Smith (Signals).

This Fusilier has been a Signals DR since the Bttn came abroad. His service has always been of the highest standard, particularly noteworthy has been his performance throughout the winter months, driving under fire and under the severest weather conditions.

6099932 Private G Smith (ACC).

Since October, Private Smith has served as a Coy Cook in all weathers, both in an out of the line. At all times, he maintained a high standard of feeding and cooking within the FDLs on 12 Mar 45 when he was wounded by a mortar bomb.

6985826 Fusilier F Turton.

This Fusilier acted as a Muleteer during the period in the mountains. At all times, he was cheerful under the worst weather conditions and made several journeys daily to ensure that supplies went forward, despite enemy shelling and almost impossible tracks.

6976165 Fusilier W Weir.

In his capacity as stretcher bearer, Fusilier Weir has been outstanding on all occasions when his services have been required, during the winter months whether under fire or under adverse weather conditions.

Signal Section 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade.

2383237 Driver R Bennett.

For ability and cheerfulness when working long hours driving a Line Maintenance Jeep on roads, which were regularly shelled and laying lines by mule over very difficult country.

14348027 Signalman JW Farrar.

For outstanding efficiency and speed in maintaining Lines to Bttns under adverse conditions during the period 22 Oct 44 to 31 Dec 44.

2348331 Signalman FS Turley.

For continuous zeal and ability in maintaining charging equipment, Wireless Set and Exchanges under the most difficult conditions.

Mentions in Brigade Orders.

The names of the following have been published in Brigade Orders for outstanding devotion to duty in the service of the Irish Brigade from October 1944 to March 1945.

2 Innisks.                  2 LIR.                               1 RIrF.                        Brigade HQ.

CSM A Rolston.          CSM G Charnick.               Sgt T Lee.                  L/Sgt R Robinson.

CQMS R Brown.         CSM G Dardis.                   Sgt P Lynch.               Cpl CJ Goulding.

CQMS A Leinster.      CSM G Plummer.                Sgt G McDratney.      L/Cpl  MW Copland

CQMS S Norton.        CQMS J McKee.                  Sgt J Moorhead.          Sigmn F Alexander.

Sgt J Bogle MM.        CQMS W Turvey.                Sgt B Moss.             Dvr R Bennett.

Sgt A Boyd.              Sgt F Byrne.                       Sgt S Needham.         Sigmn EG Couchman.

Sgt F Gilligan.           Sgt L Caines.                     L/Sgt R Hall.             Fus H Dean (1 RIrF).

Sgt T Hodson.            Sgt H Danbury.                  L/Sgt JA Lang (twice). Sigmn JW Farrar.

Sgt H Hughes.             Sgt P Francis.                   L/Sgt A Phillips.         Sigmn PJ Fox.

Sgt L Kelly.                Sgt R Graham.                  Cpl I Cathcart.            Rfn JD Gunn (2 LIR).

Sgt A Malone.             Sgt N Johnston.                Cpl C Cooney.             Sigmn RH Meacock.

Sgt A Morrison.            Sgt T McFarlin.               Cpl A Copeland (ACC). Sigmn AR Over.

Sgt W McCusker.          Sgt G Nixon (ACC).          Cpl F Howe.                Sigmn FS Turley.

L/Sgt W Hearn.            Sgt H Ogilvie.                  Cpl J Isaacs.

L/Sgt W Lee.               Sgt M Weafer.                  Cpl G Meehan.

L/Sgt F Lyttle.             L/Sgt F Bellis.                  Cpl McGrath.

L/Sgt J Neary.              L/Sgt T Fynn.                    Cpl C Moore.

Cpl R Carlin.                 L/Sgt W Higdon.               Cpl H Nanson.

Cpl S Courtney.             L/Sgt E Logue.                  Cpl C Palmer.

Cpl W O’Connor.            L/Sgt C O’Connor.            Cpl J Schofield.

Cpl D Osborough.           L/Sgt D Osborough.          Cpl R Slade.

Cpl J Quinn.                   Cpl H Byatt.                     Cpl W Thomas.

Cpl A Richardson.           Cpl E Flavell MM.              L/Cpl A Anderson.

Cpl D Walker.                 Cpl W Fullalove.               L/Cpl C Charlton.

L/Cpl G Briggs.              Cpl W Johnson.                 L/Cpl W McComish.

L/Cpl S Cartwright.         Cpl W McKee.                   Fus H Bloomer.

L/Cpl T Brake.                Cpl P O’Leary.                  Fus G Bowers.

L/Cpl J Freeman.            Cpl H Sadler (ACC).           Fus R Burke.

L/Cpl G Malkin.              Cpl R Warr.                       Fus A Collett.

L/Cpl M Muller.               L/Cpl C Birkett.                Fus T Davis.

L/Cpl R Lloyd.                 L/Cpl M Corp (2).              Fus T Elliott.

L/Cpl C Shaw MM.           L/Cpl E Edland.                 Fus C French.

L/Cpl T Topham.              L/Cpl G Faizey.                Fus T Gates.

L/Cpl A Whitlam.              L/Cpl D Galvin.               Fus J Gordon.

L/Cpl J Sherburn.              L/Cpl J Loake.                 Fus G Horn.

Fus R Ball.                        L/Cpl S Lowry.                 Fus H Hutchinson.

Fus E Clark.                      L/Cpl C Thomson.             Fus C Mangan.

Fus R Dallas.                     L/Cpl H Tidmarsh.           Fus N McClean.

Fus A Day.                        Rfn A Allenstein.              Fus J McConkey.

Fus T Dickenson.               Rfn JF Collins.                 Fus P Mulligan.

Fus D England.                 Rfn S Cummings (x 2).       Fus D Preston.

Fus F Gosling.                   Rfn G Edge.                     Fus M Purcell.

Fus J Hunt.                       Rfn W Fairhead.               Fus L Richardson.

Fus J Hutchinson.             Rfn R Foster.                    Fus AE Salmon.

Fus J Irving.                      Rfn W Henessey.              Fus E Sayers.

Fus T Kerr.                        Rfn H Hutton MM.            Fus K Shepherd.

Fus H Lonsdale.                 Rfn J Lightbody.              Fus T Smart.

Fus J McCarron.                 Rfn A Moran.                   Fus A Smith.

Fus McIlwraine.                  Rfn H Murphy.                  Pte G Smith (ACC).

Pte E McGill.                      Rfn A Ray.                        Fus W Spence.

Fus K Meenagh.                  Rfn J Rigg.                       Fus C Till.

Fus T Moore.                      Rfn R Steemson.              Fus F Turton.

Fus C Norton.                    Rfn H Thrush.                   Fus W Weir.

Fus J Murphy.                                                            Fus L Yomans.

Fus J Peake.

Fus J Prosser.

Fus C Stamp.

Fus R Wilson.