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Urquhart, Robert Elliott "Roy"

Date of birth:
November 28th, 1901 (Shepperton/Middlesex, United Kingdom)
Date of death:
December 13th, 1988 (Menteith/Perthshire, Scotland)
Service number:
17550
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Brigadier
Unit:
Headquarters, 1st Airborne Division, British Army
Awarded on:
September 23rd, 1943
Awarded for:
Operation Husky
In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Sicily.
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:
Headquarters, 1st Airborne Division, British Army
Awarded on:
October 14th, 1943
In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East.

Second DSO received as bar.
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Major General
Unit:
Headquarters, 1st Airborne Division, British Army
Awarded on:
October 9th, 1944
Awarded for:
Operation Market Garden
In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North-west Europe while commanding 1st Airborne Division:
Companion of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Major-General
Unit:
Headquarters, 1st Airborne Division, British Army
Awarded on:
July 31st, 1945
Awarded for:
Operation Market Garden
Bronzen Leeuw (BL)
Citation:
"General Urquhart landed on 17th September 1944 in command of 1st British Airborne Division with the task of capturing the bridge over the Neder Rijn at Arnhem, in Holland. During the ensuing eight days battle for the capture of the Arnhem road bridge this officer displayed outstanding qualities of leadership and courage. During the phase of the battle when 1st Parachute Brigade became separated from the rest of the Division this officer personally organised an operation for the relief of 1st Parachute Brigade and himself became involved in street fighting during this period. Later, when the remnants of the Division were withdrawn into a close perimeter, his conduct of the defence, and his unequalled cheerfulness and determination were largely instrumental in ensuring the magnificent defence put up by the troops of his Division. During the withdrawal his cool planning, foresight and initiative were entirely responsible for 2,000 men of the Division rejoining their comrades of the Second Army on the southern bank of the Neder Rijn. The conduct of this officer throughout this most trying period was beyond praise."

Royal Decree no. 29 dated July 31st, 1945.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major-General
Unit:
Headquarters, 1st Airborne Division, British Army
Awarded on:
March 19th, 1948
Sanct Olavs Orden Commander
In recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the Allies.
General Service Medal 1918-1962
King Edward VII Coronation Medal

Sources