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Fearn, Neville

Service number:
261267
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Major
Awarded on:
November 8th, 1945

LG 37340/5434
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Major
Unit:
Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry
Awarded on:
January 24th, 1946
Recommendation:
"Capt Fearn landed with the leading wave of assault tanks on D Day 6 Jun 45 (sic 44), commanding a troop in A Sqn. On 11 Jun, after the Regt had captured the high ground at Pt 103 North of ST PIERRE, the enemy counter attacked with tanks and a Coy if Infantry, Capt Fearn, without Infantry support, by clever use of ground and changing his positions so that he could attack the enemy from the flank he engaged the enemy with such speed and determination that the counter attack was broken up and heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy tanks and Infantry. On the same night Capt Fearn and his troop, fighting throughout the night were instrumental in breaking up another counter attack against ST PIERRE. During all this difficult and sometimes critical fighting Capt Fearn showed the greatest coolness and skill in handling his troop and complete disregard for his own personal safety. On 26 Dec 44 Capt Fearn commanded the Squadron during the absence of his Squadron Leader. During the heavy and continuous fighting between 15th and 27th Jan 45 when the Regiment was supporting 52(L) Div Capt Fearn led A Squadron with the greatest coolness, dash and determination and it was entirely due to his leadership that A Squadron was successful in capturing BREBEREN, LAFFELDE, BOCHET and SELSTEN against strong enemy opposition.
This operation finally terminated in the capture of HEINSBERG which would never have been held by our infantry who went into the town by night, if, on the following day, Capt Fearn had not managed to reach the town with his Squadron, having to cross flat and open country which was covered by enemy SP and Anti tank gun fire. The tactical handling of his Squadron, use of smoke and his own personal leadership on this occasion was of the highest order and resulted in the appearance of A Squadron tanks in HEINSBERG in spite of heavy casualties at a critical moment which turned the tide of battle in our favour. Capt Fearn continued to serve with A Squadron until he was wounded in the head on 28 March 45 at ISSLEBERG. His refusal to leave the battle until he fell unconscious through loss of blood was a typical example of his endurance and courage which he has shown throughout the numerous battles in which A Squadron has been involved since they landed on the beaches of Normandy on June 6th."

LG 37442/695
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With "8th ARMY" bar.
Africa Star

Sources

  • Photo 1: Richard Fearn
  • - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37340 published on the 6 November 1945
    - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37442 published on the 22 January 1946
    - Warwick&Warwick

Photo