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Winchester, John Chisholm

Date of death:
April 8th, 1942 (Kenya)
Service number:
50841
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Promotions:
January 28th, 1932: 2nd Lieutenant
? Lieutenant
? Captain
July 1st, 1946: Major

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Captain
Unit:
Royal Bombay Sappers and Miners
Awarded on:
June 24th, 1943
Citation:
"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East during the period 1st May, 1942, to 22nd October, 1942."
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Major
Unit:
Headquarters, 9th Field Company, 1st Airborne Division, British Army
Awarded on:
November 9th, 1944
Awarded for:
Operation Market Garden
Military Cross (MC)
Recommendation:
"On 19th September 1944, Major Winchester, Officer Commanding 9th Field Company, RE, sited and organised a defensive position for his Company and detachments of 1st and 4th Parachute Squadrons under command, in the North West corner of the bridgehead area held by 1st Airborne Division. This position was so well sited and organised that it instantly became the pivot of all counter-attacks upon the enemy in that sector. As a result of the enforced contraction of the defensive perimeter, this position inevitably became a front line zone. Not once during the critical period 19th to 25th September was an inch of ground given. In spite of heavy casualties the position was held against all attacks by the enemy, largely due to the untiring energy of and disregard of personal danger by Major Winchester. His inspiring leadership, cheerfulness and continuous personal bravery largely contributed towards the excellent and successful fight put up by the Royal Engineers in his sector right up to the end. He is recommended for an immediate reward of the DSO."

His recommendatiohn for a DSO was downgraded to a MC.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:
Corps of Royal Engineers
Awarded on:
March 19th, 1948
Haakon VII's frihetskors

Sources

  • Photo 1: Pegasus Archive
  • - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36065 published on the 22 June 1943
    - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36785 published on the 7 November 1944
    - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 38240 published on the 16 March 1948
    - The Pegasus Archive
    - The Battle of Arnhem Archive

Photo