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Jones, Douglas Lawrence

Service number:
296464
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Captain
Unit:
77 Assault Squadron, Royal Engineers, British Army
Awarded on:
December 20th, 1945
Citation:
At 2200 hrs on the 23 Mar 45 Capt JONES was commanding a Tp of Buffalos in support on the 1st SS Bde (1st Special Service Brigade red.) in their assault on GRAV INSEL(?) - 2 miles WEST of WESEL.
He was in personal command of the first wave of the first fight of Buffalos to cross the Rhine at this point. Enemy reaction was rapid and effective and he lead his troop across the river into a hail of mortar and shell fire. The craft next to him received a direct hit and caught fire, and his own craft was severely damaged by a near miss, but he continued unswervingly, exactly to his prearranged landing place and put down his craft load. After abandoning his now useless craft, Capt JONES continued to command his troop in ferrying succeeding waves of Commandos across the river, carrying on with his task regardless of enemy fire.
He displayed courage and determination of the highest order throughout, By his actions he contributed greatly to the success of the assault, and was an everpresent inspiration to all ranks who were working with him."
Military Cross (MC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Captain
Unit:
77 Assault Squadron, Royal Engineers, British Army
Awarded on:
July 18th, 1947
Bronzen Kruis (BK)
Citation:
"On 23 Marc 45 Capt JONES was commanding a troop of LVT's in support of the 1st SS Bde (1st Special Service Brigade red.) in their assault across the RHINE.
He himself crossed in the first wave. Enemy reaction was rapid and effective, very heavy mortar and shell fire being encountered.
The craft next to him received a direct hit and caught fire and his own was badly damaged, but he continued unswervingly and led the remainder of his troop exactly to the prearranged landing place.
After abandoning his now useless craft he continued commanding his troop in ferrying succeeding waves of Commandos across the river.
He displayed courage and determination of the highest order throughout. By his actions he contributed greatly to the success of the assault, which in itself was a decisive action in the final liberation of Northern Holland."

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