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Fletcher, Robert Stephen Crossley

Service number:
26306
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

After the war Fletcher had a career in the textile industry becoming managing director of Carpet Trades Ltd

29 May, 1923: 2nd Luitenant 85th (E. Anglian) Field Bde (Territorial Army)
29 May,1925: Lieutenant
10 June, 1931 seniority 2nd July 1927 Captain 70th (W. Hiding) Fd. Bde (Territorial Army)
18 November, 1931: Major (Territorial Army)
22 October, 1952: ceases to belong to Territorial Army

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
360th Battery, 138th Forward Regiment R.A., 36th Infantry Brigade, 78th Infantry Division, British Army
Awarded on:
February 11th, 1943
Recommendation:
"For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 16 and 17 Nov 42.

On 16 Nov Major Fletcher saw a truck carrying ammunition and explosives on fire on an important bridge in TABARKA. In spite of a heavy air attack which was in progress, he immediately mounted the truck and commenced to unload the ammunition. Seeing that it would be impossible to save the ammunition, and in spite of severe burns, he rushed to the driver's seat and drove the lorry off the bridge in order to prevent blocking or destruction of the bridge.

On 17 Nov Major Fletcher showed most outstanding bravery when commanding his Battery which was in action against ene,y tanks at DJEHEL ABIOD. Seeing that one of his guns was under direct fire from an enemy anti-tank gun, mortar, and heavy machine-gun fire, he rushed to his gun to direct the fire. Although wounded in the leg, he was seen standing behind the gun encouraging the crew and directing the fire until the tank was silenced

He continued to carry on fighting his Battery for approximately 5 hours until ordered to the Dressing Station.
Major Fletcher's example and initiative troughout the morning was an inspiration to all ranks and was undoubtedly largely responsible for the heavy damage inflicted on the German tanks"

WO 373/1/3
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
Royal Artillery
Awarded on:
January 25th, 1945
Efficiency Medal / Territorial Decoration

Sources

  • - Copy of the original recommendation for the DSO - STIWOT- Archive
    - The London Gazette Issue 32831 published on the 5 June 1923
    - The London Gazette Issue 33055 published on the 9 June 1925
    - The London Gazette Issue 33737 published on the 21 July 1931
    - The London Gazette Issue 33788 published on the 8 January 1932
    - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35898 published on the 9 February 1943
    - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36907 published on the 23 January 1945
    - Ebsco Online Library

Photo