Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

57 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, 4th Indian Infantry Division, British Indian Army

Awarded on:

December 20th, 1945

Citation:
"Throughout the campaigns in the Western Desert 1942 and 1943 Lt G F D Long RA was a tp comd in 169/57 Lt AA Regt RA. Near Knightsbridge on 5 and 6 Jun 1942 his tp was protecting gun posns of 157 Fd Regt RA. After 24 hrs continued shelling the posn was attacked at dawn on 6 Jun by strong German armd forces, which concentrated their fire on our guns. Throughout that night and day Lt Long went from one to another of his guns, encouraging and sustaining his me by his fearless behaviour, engaging enemy tanks and frequently himself acting as leader, (the most exposed posn in the detachment). Towards evening all the fd guns had been silenced, Lt Longs tp had suffered severe casualties, he himself had been wounded in the legs. But he continued to keep his guns engaging the enemy and they succeeded in holding the posn for a further hour until they ran out of amn. Finally as (the) enemy tanks & inf closed right up on to the posn sweeping it with fire, Lt Long destroyed the sights on one gun and was captured while endeavouring to do the same to another. Throughout the whole action he showed complete disregard for his personal safety, and remained undaunted in the face of overwhelming odds and under constant fire. Determined to escape he mingled with the OR's, persuaded two soldiers to join him in an attempt, and struggled back by night to our own lines, after which he continued in action concealing his wounds for several more days of fighting. His magnificent example of gallantry, leadership and determination inspired his men to fight on to the very last round in this desperate stand."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "8th ARMY" clasp.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "Malaya" and "Arabian Peninsula" clasps.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

with "Borneo" clasp.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

Royal Army Pay Corps

Awarded on:

June 15th, 1974

For work as Deputy Financial Controller HQ Northern Army Group and HQ Second Allied Tactical Air Force.