Ian Roger English

Awarded Mention in Despatches (London Gazette 4 April 1941) as 2nd Lieutenant, 8th Battalion DLI.

Note: Originally recommended for a Military Cross but award downgraded to Mention only.

Awarded Military Cross (London Gazette 28 January 1943) as Lieutenant (Temporary Captain), 8th Battalion DLI.

"Captain English when commanding his Company during a night attack led his men throughout with skill and dash accounting for a number of prisoners and scuppering enemy MG posts. He successfully navigated and controlled his men over a long advance in the dark arriving on his detailed objective when he organised them for defence. Being hte most forward infantry during the day his position was under continual MG and shell fire and in close proximity to enemy tanks. When his Company was withdrawn after suffering a number of casualties, he remained behind on the position until they had all been evacuated. This officer showed great skill and leadership throughout this operation."

Awarded Bar to Military Cross (London Gazette 18 February 1943) as Lieutenant (Temporary Captain), 8th Battalion DLI.

"This officer commanded the Carrier Platoon for 26 months and he trained them to a very high standard both tactically and mechanically and by personal example imbued an alertness of mind and aggressive spirit. During active operations he was always in the forefront of offensive and recce patrols. On 5 June he was in command of a mobile column of carriers doing a sweep across enemy Lines of Communication with the task of destroying enemy material. By offensive action his patrol destroyed MET and captured 5 lorries, attacked and captured one enemy tank taking the crew prisoner. On 6 June his small Carrier force by rapid shock action successfully attacked and captured 20 Officers and 210 Italian Other Ranks from dug in positions. Throughout all these operations he has shown personal disregard for danger and set a fine example of leadership."

Awarded Second Bar to Military Cross (London Gazette 1 March 1945) as Lieutenant (Acting Major), 8th Battalion DLI.

"Major English was commanding an assault Company during the attack south of Plesses Gronoult on August 9th 1944. Whilst moving up to the start line, his Company was heavily shelled, but he moved about amongst his men completely exposed and showing an absolute disregard to the fire and got them to the start line. Throughout the whole advance he was in front leading his men and encouraging them on through enemy artillery and mortar fire which was exceptionally heavy, and his Company was continually suffering casualties. The Company on his left lost its officers and dropped well behind his Company, but nevertheless he pushed relentlessly forward mopping up any enemy on the way and taking over 50 prisoners. He was the first on the objective and soon cleared up the enemy. He reorganised now his much depleted Company on only 50 men whilst under very heavy fire and held the position till the other Companies got to him. Throughout the action Major English showed complete disregard for enemy fire and his own safety. His leadership, cheerfulness and devotion to duty did much to ensure the capture of the objective and his supreme confidence in himself showed itself to his men. he set an example of fortitude which was an inspiration to all ranks".

Note: Major English was originally recommended for an immediate Distinguished Service Order but this was downgraded to a Second Bar to his Military Cross.

Note: Only 24 Second Bars for the Military Cross were awarded during WW2.