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Simpson, Denis Jackson

Service number:
249558
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Promotions:
November 1st, 1942: 2nd Lieutenant
November 2nd, 1948: Captain

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit:
"B" Troop, 1st Parachute Field Squadron, 1st Airborne Division, British Army
Awarded on:
November 9th, 1944
Awarded for:
Operation Market Garden
Citation:
"Between 17th and 20th September 1944, Lieutenant Simpson was in charge of four positions covering ARNHEM bridge. For 62 hours these positions were consistently attacked, almost continuously on 18th September and the night 18th/19th September. At dusk the enemy fire mortar bombs point blank through the windows. On the evening 19th, the positions were attacked from 30 yards by a Tiger tank which destroyed one corner of the house. During all these attacks Lieutenant Simpson was the backbone of the defence, skilfully moving his men to meet each new threat.
On the afternoon 20th September, the house was set on fire and had to be evacuated. The house was covered by machine-guns from all sides. Lieutenant Simpson led the covering party out with 2 Bren guns and although 50% of his force became casualties in the intense cross-fire he managed to secure a safe lane through which it was possible to evacuate the wounded. Had it not been for Lieutenant Simpson's courage and complete disregard for his own personal safety in leading the break out it would have been impossible to evacuate the wounded from the burning house. Lieutenant Simpson was wounded and taken prisoner.
Later, whilst a Prisoner of War in Germany, Lieutenant Simpson showed great keeness and devotion to duty in attempting to escape. On the night of the 21st/22nd, he formed one of a party of four who broke out and joined the main British forces after moving through Germany and German-occupied Holland for two nights and a day."
Military Cross (MC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant
Unit:
Cors of Royal Engineers
Awarded on:
September 20th, 1945
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Captain
Unit:
Corps of Royal Engineers
Awarded on:
March 19th, 1948
Haakon VII's frihetsmedalje

Sources

  • Photo 1:
  • - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36785 published on the 7 November 1944
    - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37274 published on the 18 September 1945
    - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 38240 published on the 16 March 1948
    - The Pegasus Archive
    - The Battle of Arnhem Archive