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Gott, William Henry Ewart "Strafer"

Date of birth:
August 13th, 1897 (Harrow/London, United Kingdom)
Date of death:
August 7th, 1942 (Near Cairo, Egypt)
Buried on:
Commonwealth War Cemetery El Alamein
Plot: XXXIII. Row: D. Grave: 21.
Service number:
1798
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Gott served in the First World Was, was wounded in 1917 and subsequently captured by German forces. Gott was shot down over Northern Africa on 7 August 1942 (the day after he was appointed commander of the Eight Army by Churchill)

Promotions:
15 April 1921: Captain
30 July 1934: Major
October 1938: Lt. Col.
Ocotber 1941: Colonel
17 February 1942: Lt. Gen.

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Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:
Second-Lieutenant
Awarded on:
January 30th, 1920
Military Cross (MC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Unit:
H.Q. Support Group, Headquarters, 7th Armoured Division, British Army
Awarded on:
April 1st, 1941
In recognition of distinguished services in the Middle East, during the period August 1939 to November 1940.
---
"This officer is the Commander of the Support Group. Since the outbreak of war with Italy his formation has been continuously in contact with the enemy, during which time Brigadier GOTT has consistently shown marked ability as a Commander. During recent operations, the tactical skill of his initial dispositions and his calmness and energy contributed largely to the success of the Support Group's withdrawal. His energy, cheerfulness and drive at all times been an inspiring example to all ranks."
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Unit:
H.Q. Support Group, Headquarters, 7th Armoured Division, British Army
Awarded on:
July 4th, 1941
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
In recognition of distinguished services in the Middle East during the period December, 1940 to February 1941.
---
"Brigadier Gott has during the latter phase of the operations in Libya served with distinction. His tactical handling of the Support Group has been faultless. His keenness and fighting spirit have been an inspiration and an example to all ranks. He has moreover created in the Support Group a spirit of confidence and resolution which will remain long after he has gone."
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Unit:
H.Q. Support Group, Headquarters, 2nd Armoured Division, British Army
Awarded on:
December 26th, 1941
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
"Brigadier GOTT was asked for by Gen. O'Connor to take over Command of the Support Group of 2 Armoured Division, which had become thoroughly disorganised in the withdrawal.

He arrived by air at TOBRUK on 7 April 1941, and was at once given the tasks of organising the remnants of Support Group, 2 Armoured Division and certain reinforcements arriving from EGYPT into a mobile force to engage and delay the enemy in the area South of TOBRUK defences.

He quickly organised his units into an effective fighting force with which he delayed the enemy South of TOBRUK for several days thereby giving more time for the defence on that place to be organised.

When compelled by superior forces to withdraw to the West, he continued to delay the enemy's advance and successfully manoevred his force back to the SOLLUM."

Second DSO awarded as a Bar
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Lieutenant General
Unit:
Headquarters, XIII Corps, British Army
Awarded on:
September 9th, 1942
Companion of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB)
In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East during the period November, 1941, to April, 1942
---
"General GOTT, as GOC 7 Armoured Division during the major part of the campaign, has shown himself as a commander of armoured forces of the highest class. Owing to his cool and sound judgment, wide experience of desert warfare, and knowledge of the enemy's methods, his division fought with such bravery, skill, and determination that it defeated the enemy armour and largely made possible the advance into CYRENAICA. The magnificent qualities displayed by all ranks in the 7th Armoured Division and the success it achieved, were in a great part the outcome of the thoroughness of their training by Gen. GOTT, and of the confidence that they felt in him as their leader. He is imperturbable in action, and on many occasions he showed the qualities of great courage in the decisions made by him during battle.

During the last two months, Gen. GOTT has been in command of 13 Corps, and throughout this period has been unitirng in his efforts to strengthen the defensive position now held by his Corps and in instilling the offensive spirit into all troops under his command."

Posthumously awarded
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Lieutenant General
Unit:
Headquarters, XIII Corps, British Army
Awarded on:
June 24th, 1943
Mentioned in Dispatches

Posthumously awarded
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With oakleaf
War Medal 1939-1945

Sources