Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) William Anthony Sheil, Royal Regiment of Artillery (Reserve of Officers), was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. On October 27th, 1943, Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil was ordered to engage the enemy locality known as “Stirling” which observed fire from the whole of his regiment. It was a difficult and intricate task as advanced elements of our infantry had reached the outskirts of the locality during the previous night and were pinned by enemy fire, and opposing tanks were manoeuvring in the area. Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil considered the task so important and so difficult that he undertook it himself. He worked his way forward to an observation post within 500 yards of the locality, identified our own troops, and then ranged his regiment on to the actual enemy defences while our own and enemy tanks fired at each other over his head. Our own tanks then advanced, and he saw the enemy anti-tank gunners man their guns. He brought down a regimental concentration on them and saw them run back to their dug-outs. Our attack failed owing to 88 mm. fire from far out on the flank, so Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil proceeded to pound the locality with his regiment all day. So destructive was this fire that the infantry attack on the locality that night met with practically no opposition and found the defences full of enemy dead. Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil’s action was an inspiration to the rest of the Divisional Artillery and contributed largely to the successful capture of this important locality. Later, Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil was awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order. At France Fonte on July 14th, 1943, as C.O. of his regiment and senior artillery officer on the spot, he was responsible for organising the fire support for the attack of and infantry brigade. Enemy parachute troops were offering very stubborn resistance, were sniping very accurately and were attempting to regain the initiative. With complete disregard of danger Colonel Sheil went right forward in person to identify the actual centre of resistance which no one else could locate. After a daring reconnaissance he observed the fire of his regiment on to several strong-points and, when this was impossible, himself manhandled 6-pounders and a 17-pounder into action at short range, and then directed their fire. His leadership and inspiring example were a considerable contributory factor to the successful issue of a hard-fought fight. Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil comes from Clonsilla, Co. Dublin. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/search-results.asp?searchtype=browserefine&query=last_name%3dsheil%7cscope%3d1141&catid=22&pagenumber=1&querytype=1&mediaarray=* Recommendation for Award for Sheil, William Anthony Rank: Major Service No: 1141 Regiment: Royal Regiment of Artillery, Reserve of Officers Award: Distinguished Service Order Recommendation for Award for Sheil, William Anthony Rank: Major, Temporary Lieutenant Colonel Service No: 1141 Regiment: 128 Horse Field Regiment; Royal Artillery Award: Bar to Distinguished Service Order London Gazette: 12 January 1943 http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35862/supplements/320 19 October 1943 http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36217/supplements/4661 Listed: The Times, Friday, Jan 15, 1943 ARMY AWARDS, SERVICES IN THE MIDDLE EAST The Times, Friday, Oct 22, 1943 ARMY AWARDS, GALLANTRY IN SICILY See this thread for ref: http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/research-material/19413-volunteers-eire-who-have-won-distinctions.html#post195852 :irishflag[1]:
