O.B.E.
Lt. Col. R.S. Wade (Commanding Officer)
Lt. Col. R.S. Wade (Commanding Officer) Lt. Col. Wade has commanded this regiment for the last 8 months and was largely responsible for the conversion of the 8 Battalion The Buffs East Kents to the 9 Medium Regiment RA. His tremendous perseverance in instructing the regiment has resulted in producing a fundamentally sound organisation in all respects. During the last four months this officer’s loyal and efficient command of his regiment, and the thorough determination with which he tackles every task, he has been a great inspiration to all around him. The regiment which has been in action continuously since its arrival in this theatre has proved itself a first class fighting machine, which is entirely due to the tremendous enthusiasm, methodical approach to all problems, and loyal example of service which is set by its commanding officer.
M.C.
T/Capt. T.G. Clayton
For calmly efficient and consistently successful work as a C.O. or CAGRA representative both in OP’s and at HQ’s in a succession of important operations in Normandy, Channel Ports, Holland, Belgium, and Germany. His work in the OP has always been of the highest order. He has never spared himself and has shown cool courage throughout. After one tank action he dismounted and supervised evacuation of wounded infantry from a heavily shelled area. In the Battery position he proved to be an outstandingly capable officer being able in emergency to take over the job of any other officer and carry it out successfully. By his never failing cheerfulness and zeal he has been an example to all ranks under him for whom he has obtained the very best possible service.
M.C.
T/Capt. P.J. Howard
He landed as a FOO with the assault wave 4/5 RSF on South Beveland. The OP had to be sited on a dyke embankment in flat country. The OP was shelled and mortared through the day. Valuable support was given by shelling suspected enemy positions. Just before dusk an enemy counter attack was launched. Howard immediately called for fire while he and the OP party engaged enemy with small arms. He showed coolness and determination as he directed the fire. Whilst controlling the fire he killed a German with his sten gun at 30 yards range. His quick action without regard for his own safety saved the situation for the counter attack broke up and the enemy retired. He continued to give support in exposed positions, as no field artillery FOO was available. With his coolness and determination and complete disregard for his own personal safety he set a first class example to those around him (most of whom were in action for the first time).
M.C.
T/Capt. P Rowland-Jones
On October 26th 1944 he acted as FOO for ‘A’ Coy. 4/5 RSF and landed with the assault wave on South Beveland. Soon under heavy mortar and artillery fire a counter attack was launched. With cool determination he directed fire on enemy positions and broke up the attack. Just after dusk the forward platoon was driven back to Coy. HQ by a counter attack of 150 men. Though in an exposed position he directed fire onto it and brought it close to his own position. His action saved the situation. This officer was elected to go back to battalion HQ, but he decided to stay with company overnight to offer any further help. Further counter attack was broken up and all enemy officers were killed and 85 OR’s and NCO’s surrendered.
M.C.
Major D.L.E. Paterson
Major Paterson has commanded his battery since its conversion from infantry in January 1943. Throughout the early days of training and since the regiment landed in France in July 1944, Major Paterson has worked with tireless energy. At all times during the campaign whether acting as a CAGRA representative visiting his OP’s or controlling the fire of his battery he has displayed a gallant disregard for his personal safety and his personal bearing has been inspirational to his men. At the assault on South Beveland (20th October 1944) Major Paterson was CAGRA representative with Bn. HQ of 4/5 RSF. During the crossing several of the craft, including Major Paterson’s, became separated from the main body and were drifting dangerously off course. Major Paterson then took charge and guided them to a successful landing. Once on the beach conditions were difficult due to mud, shellfire and mortaring but with disregard for himself and by great resource Major Paterson was able to get his vehicle across the dyke and rejoin his battalion where by his quiet unconcern, efficient communications and skilful control of fire he was able to give excellent moral and material support to troops in action for the first time
M.C.
Major G.C. Yool
Major Yool has commanded his battery since July 1943. Since landing in Normandy in July 1944 until after the crossing of the Rhine in March 1945 his battery has been in action almost continuously. Throughout this time Major Yool has displayed the highest qualities of leadership, unselfishness and devotion to duty. He has personally manned OP’s and served as the CAGRA’s representative with the leading Brigade of the 2nd Cdn. Inf. Div., crossing the causeway to South Beveland, with the 15(S) Div., in the Reichswald and with 7th Armd. Div. and in support of Commandos on the Rhine Crossing. But his own exploits apart Major Yool has consistently put himself forward to visit his officers in forward OP’s under heavy fire and in the gun area to hearten and encourage his men under the most trying conditions of enemy shelling and bombing and weather. His spirit and enthusiasm and disregard for personal danger have been a source of inspiration to his battery.
Croix de Guerre
Croix de Guerre with Vermillion Star
T/Capt. T. Lemmon
During the period 18-22 July 44, before the capture of Maltot, Capt. T Lemmon manned an OP in front of the infantry FDLs. The OP was protected by its own personnel and two infantry soldiers. The area was repeatedly subjected to mortar and shell fire, and unlocated snipers in the cornfields to his front were a constant source of danger. For five days Capt Lemmon manned this OP capably and cheerfully. He finally went forward as a FOO in support of the successful attack on Maltot.
Croix de Guerre with Palm
Bdr. J.F. Peck
Bdr. J. Peck was senior GPOA in C Troop 82 Bty. 9 Medium Regiment RA for the first 6 months this regiment was in action. This included the support of the crossing of the Leopold Canal and the subsequent operations to clear the sea route to Antwerp. Owing to a shortage of officer replacements he took over the duties of Troop Leader and shared the responsibility of shooting the Troop with his GPO. He showed himself fully capable of doing this, and carried out his job with great drive and initiative, though only a Lance Bombardier at the time. His cheerfulness, often under very difficult conditions has at all times been an inspiration to the remainder of the Troop and has shown himself to be a thoroughly capable and fearless NCO.
Croix de Guerre with Palm
WS/W.O.II (B.S.M.) G.W. Mott
This WO has throughout the campaign in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany shown the highest degrees of efficiency and endurance and has been an excellent example to all the drivers and others under his supervision. He has never failed to bring up ammunition when required, no matter what conditions of enemy activity, darkness or roads prevailed. In particular, during the weeks in October/November 1944, which the Bty. spent in the North of Belgium assisting the opening of the Scheldt and the opening of the port of Antwerp, he had a particularly difficult job to do, which he performed in an exemplary manner. The roads were narrow and bordered by deep ditches and were in some cases under water, and distances from wagon lines to gun positions were considerable. Owing to the nature of the country, the use of lights was impossible and a daily supply of ammunition had to be maintained, under these conditions. BSM Mott never relaxed his high standard of personal example, hard work and careful surveillance during this protracted battle and so contributed materially to the heavy fire that the Bty. maintained on the enemy, which had considerable effect on the ultimate Allied success.
Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star
Gnr. V. Smith
On 7 Aug 44 at St Aignan de Cramesnil the a/m OR was acting as W/T operator to Capt T. G. Clayton RA in his tank OP. The enemy put in a determined counter attack, which failed, but in which a considerable number of casualties were inflicted upon the infantry with whom Capt Clayton was working. Gnr Smith showed great coolness in dressing and tending the wounded, the whole time under fire from small arms and 88mm guns. When the danger from this counter attack was over Capt Clayton took most of the wounded back in the tank to find the Bn. RAP. About halfway back men from the Bn met the tank and took off all the wounded except one who had a serious leg injury, whom Capt Clayton decided to take right up to the RAP. When the RAP was finally located Capt Clayton decided he could not take his tank up to it, as that would mean crossing an open stretch of ground under fire from 88mm guns. Gnr Smith immediately volunteered to get out and reconnoitre a route to the RAP. This he did, and with the help of an infantry soldier and a stretcher, succeeded in getting the wounded man to the RAP. Both on his way there and returning he was sniped by small arms and shelled by 88mm HE. Gnr Smith’s action undoubtedly saved the life of the wounded man who was losing blood fast.
Croix de Guerre with Palm
Gnr. H. Johnson
Gnr. H. Johnson performed the duties of OP signaller during the campaign in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Throughout this period he performed his duties with outstanding efficiency frequently under very heavy enemy artillery fire. Notably in the operations around Breskens undertaken to open the port of Antwerp, his coolness and devotion to duty under fire from enemy guns at Flushing, and in a heavily mined area were an example to those around him, and his efficient maintenance of communications played a large part in enabling the Battery to bring down heavy and accurate fire on the enemy.
Chevalier of the Order of Leopold II with Palm and Croix de Guerre with Palm
Lt. A. H. Veughen
This officer served as GPO throughout the campaign in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany and at all times he showed the highest standard of technical knowledge endurance and personal disregard for all risks and unpleasant circumstances. In addition he bore throughout a considerable amount of responsibility, both in regard to the men, guns and equipment. In particular his leadership of his troop in October/November 1944, when in action in the North of Belgium during the opening of Antwerp was outstanding. General conditions were extremely unpleasant, and in spite of this, by his unfailing good humour, he kept the spirits of the men at a high level. Tactical and technical considerations made the control of the guns extremely difficult and necessitated many changes of position within the Troop area, but at no time did Lt. Veughen fail to surmount all difficulties of bad visibility, difficult country or physical hardship, and thus contributed in no small way to the heavy volume of fire which the Bty. brought to bear on the enemy during this important battle.
Knight of the Order of Oranje Nassau with Swords
Lt. G.L. Harmsworth
Lieutenant Harmsworth was CPO of 81 Bty., 9 Medium Regiment RA during the liberation of Holland. During the attack on the Breskens Pocket and the subsequent liberation of Walcheren and South Beveland and also during the clearing of the area west of the River Maas up to Venlo and Roermond he worked tirelessly, cheerfully and accurately under very trying conditions, and always ensuring that the Bty. could answer calls for fire with promptitude. He was frequently called upon to recce fresh gun positions in very exposed areas before mines and similar devices had been lifted. Throughout the campaign his devotion to duty and his standard of hard and accurate work were of a high order and together with his unfailing cheerfulness, were an example and inspiration to all who worked with him.
Silver Star
L/Bdr. R. Graham
L Bdr Graham has been an OP Wireless Operator throughout the campaign in NW Europe. He took part in the operations in Normandy, the channel ports, the Scheldt, the Roer Pocket, the Reichswald, and the Rhine Crossing. During the assault in South Beveland on 26 October 44, Graham went forward with his officer, an FOO, carrying his 19 set, which he later set up and maintained as a ground station under heavy and continuous shell and mortar fire. So close was the fighting that at one time the attacking enemy infantry were engaged by the small arms fire of the OP Party of which Graham was a member. L Bdr Graham distinguished himself by gallantry in action by his tireless efforts which ensured that communications never failed. During the later part of the day his ability under extremely trying conditions enabled him to pass fire orders to his regiment so that prolonged and accurate fire greatly assisted breaking up a counter attack. His coolness and efficiency throughout the day were a source of inspiration and encouragement to all around him, and a notable contribution to the success of the battle.
M.B.E.
WS/W.O.II (ORS) H.S. Kemp
In December 1942 the Regiment converted from infantry to artillery. Sgt. Major Kemp was faced with the task of reorganising the documentation of the regiment on RA lines and making himself familiar with new terms and new outlook. He has worked with outstanding zeal and ability to ensure the smooth running of his department, so vital to the success of the regiment as a whole. After taking part in nearly all major operations across the continent the regiment was ordered to take a long night march and deploy in support of the attack on the Reichswald Forest. This march was carried out under the most appalling conditions of sudden thaw and rain. At one point it appeared doubtful if the regiment would reach the deployment area in time. Sgt. Major Kemp displayed the highest qualities of leadership and initiative in organising the winching, towing and driving of vehicles. It was very largely due to his untiring efforts and excellent example that the regiment command vehicles were finally got into action. During subsequent moves of the regiment the same conditions pertained with intermittent shelling. Sgt. Major Kemp continued to show outstanding qualities of leadership and example throughout. Although by trade an orderly room clerk his initiative and example in the field has always been a most valuable asset to the regiment and an inspiration to all around him.
M.B.E.
T/Capt. J.M. Sim (Adjutant)
Captain J.M.Sim came to this regiment as Adjutant in July 1943, shortly after it had been converted from infantry. Throughout the following period of intense training, when few of the officers and OR’s knew anything of the technical and administrative details of a gunner regiment, his patience and perseverance played a very large part in making the unit fit for battle. The regiment was in action almost continuously from its arrival in France in July 1944 until after the crossing of the Rhine in March 1945. Throughout this period Captain Sim has shown great skill and quickness of decision both in the many problems that have had to be faced and in the successful co-ordination of the fire of the regiment. Short handed at headquarters due to casualties has for long periods caused additional strain and exhaustion but by his example of unfailing energy and enthusiasm Captain Sim has at all times been master of the situation and an inspiration to those with whom he worked.
B.E.M.
Pte. R. Curtis, Army Catering Corps (attached 9 Medium, R.A.)
On the 9th February, 1944, during practice at an anti-tank range in Sussex, Private Curtis, who was cooking in the battery wagon lines, saw an aircraft crash into the side of a hill a quarter of a mile away. He went to the scene of the crash, and although the aircraft had caught 168 fire and ammunition on it was exploding, he succeeded in rescuing two of the crew who were unconscious and lying in the burning aircraft.
Mention in Dispatches
No citations exist for these awards (the list is likely incomplete)
Bdr. W. E. Barker
W/Sjt. F. Barter
Maj. P.L. Birkin
Capt. W.M. Denham
Lt. P.E. Glover
Capt. W.P. Hogarth
Lt. W.P. Hurst
Capt. J.M. Sim
Lt. Col R.S. Wade
Maj. G.C. Yool
Bdr. W. E. Barker
W/Sjt. F. Barter
Maj. P.L. Birkin
Capt. W.M. Denham
Lt. P.E. Glover
Capt. W.P. Hogarth
Lt. W.P. Hurst
Capt. J.M. Sim
Lt. Col R.S. Wade
Maj. G.C. Yool