140546 John Richard EASONSMITH, DSO, MC, LRDG

Discussion in 'War Cemeteries & War Memorial Research' started by wtid45, Dec 10, 2009.

  1. wtid45

    wtid45 Very Senior Member

    After reading about this guy in a local war memorial book I thought I would post this link and pictures www.cliftonrfchistory.co.uk/memorial/ww2/easonsmith link wont work just type in Jake Easonsmith in search engine and this will be the top like should work that way.The pics are from a local church war memorial in Olvestone just up the road from me this was my first 'field trip' taking pics to put on here!
     

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  2. wtid45

    wtid45 Very Senior Member

    and a closer view.
     

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  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Casualty
    Lieutenant Colonel
    EASONSMITH, JOHN RICHARD
    Service Number 140546
    Died 16/11/1943
    Aged 34
    Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C. Cdg. Long Range Desert Group
    D S O, M C
    Son of George and Daisy Aldridge Easonsmith; husband of Honour Gertrude Easonsmith, of Rudgeway, Gloucestershire.
    INSCRIPTION: SOME CORNER OF A FOREIGN FIELD THAT IS FOR EVER ENGLAND
    Buried at LEROS WAR CEMETERY
    Location: Greece
    Number of casualties: 127
    Cemetery/memorial reference: 3. B. 3.
    See cemetery plan


    From The Times, Jan 15, 1944:

    FALLEN OFFICERS
    OBITUARY
    THE ARMY

    LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOHN RICHARD EASONSMITH, D.S.O., M.C., Royal Tank Regiment, who has been killed in action at the age of 34, was educated at Mill Hill School, and joined the staff of Messr. W.D. and H.O. Wills Limited, of Bristol, and later the Emu Australian Wine Company Limited.

    On the outbreak of war he enlisted in the 66th Searchlight Regiment, but his powers of leadership were quickly recognized, for by August, 1940, he had been a sergeant in his original unit, recommended for a commission, transferred to the Royal Tank Regiment, and completed his training as an officer.

    In December, 1940, he was posted to the Middle East, being selected on arrival for the Long Range Desert Group. By August, 1941, he had been promoted Captain, and in January, 1942, it was announced that he had been awarded the Miliary Cross. In October of the same year he was promoted Major, and the award of the Distinguished Service Order followed. In October, 1943, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel on assuming the command of the Long Range Desert Group, but late in November last came the news that he had been killed in action.

    Lieutenant-Colonel Eastsmith, who was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Easonsmith, of Bristol, leaves a wife and a daughter, aged two.
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2020
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  4. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Personal Number: 140546
    Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel
    Name: John Richard EASONSMITH, DSO, MC
    Unit: Royal Tank Regiment commanding Long Range Desert Group


    London Gazette : 2 August 1940
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34911/supplement/4731/data.pdf
    The undermentioned Cadets from 102nd Officer Cadet Training Unit, to be 2nd Lts. except as otherwise stated. 27th July 1940: —
    R.T.R.
    John Richard EASONSMITH (1405146)

    London Gazette : 30 December 1941
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35396/page/7334/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of distinguished services in the Middle East (including Egypt, East Africa, The Western Desert, The Sudan, Greece, Crete, Syria and Tobruk) during the period February, 1941, to July, 1941.
    The Military Cross.
    Second-Lieutenant John Richard Easonsmith (140546), Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps.

    London Gazette : 26 November 1942
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35799/supplement/5141/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field: —
    The Distinguished Service Order.
    Captain (temporary Major) John Richard Easonsmith, M. C. (140546) , Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps.
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2020
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    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Last edited: Jun 18, 2020
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