9391 General Sir Miles Christopher DEMPSEY, GBE, KCB, DSO, MC, MiD, DL, Royal Berkshire Regiment

Discussion in 'Higher Formations' started by 4th wilts, Nov 23, 2007.

  1. 4th wilts

    4th wilts Discharged

    with all the books,memoirs by other generals, ike, monty and bradley etc,aides like butcher and even generals lady drivers,authours like, dare i say it .ambrose.and half a hundred others,how do you feel about dempsey,s handling of the british 2nd army,particulary the normandy campaign.i feel the man has been overlooked,imho he was a great general.do we have any members who know how other figures of the time thought of him,ike,monty,tedder,churchill,bradley,hodges etc,etc.and more importantly veterans views of the man.was he montys puppet,as i have read,or a very dangerous general in his own right.very interested to hear your opinions,yours very sincerely,lee.
     
  2. Gerard

    Gerard Seelow/Prora

    Lee, I will be honest and say that I dont know enough about him to make a judgement but I will do a bit of research and let you know my opinions. your thread deserves a response :)
     
  3. lancesergeant

    lancesergeant Senior Member

    It's a valid comment that Gotthard makes. I think some of it would be down to (in no small measure) other commanders being more in the spotlight/public awareness eg Monty and Goodwood, his rivalry with Patton etc. At first glance he would come across as like Alanbrooke- dependable, did the job, low key.

    It would be interesting to see/ hear from knowledgeable sources about the man. If kudos is due then this gentleman should be given recognition, if only for his valued contribution.
     
  4. 4th wilts

    4th wilts Discharged

    i reckon he did a great job,unenviable,but considering the dispositions of the enemy,a great job.lee.
     
  5. The Cooler King

    The Cooler King Elite Member

    I thought that I would post this remarkable collection of medals to General Dempsey who was the commander of the 2nd Army at D-DAY.

    These are on display at the Rifles museum in Salisbury.
     

    Attached Files:

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  6. Bernard85

    Bernard85 WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    good day cooler king.m.today 01:03am.re:general sir miles christopher dempsey,G.B.E. K.C.B. DSO. MC.a great collection of medals to a very deserving soldier.thank you for posting,regards bernard85
     
  7. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

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  8. Ron Goldstein

    Ron Goldstein WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    A super set of medals befitting a remarkable soldier.

    Wikipedia had this to say about his Africa/Sicily/Italy days:

    In December 1942 he was promoted to lieutenant-general and commanded XIII Corps in the Eighth Army during the North African Campaign. He subsequently helped to plan the invasion of Sicily and led the assault on Sicily in 1943. Dempsey later led the invasion of Italy across the Strait of Messina, in which his troops advanced more than 300 miles (480 km) to the north before linking up with U.S. troops at Salerno.

    Ron
     
  9. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Not forgetting he was 13 Brigades boss in France during 1940 ;)
     
  10. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Personal Number: 9391
    Rank: General
    Name: Sir Miles Christopher DEMPSEY, GBE, KCB, DSO, MC, MiD*, DL
    Unit: Royal Berkshire Regiment


    London Gazette : 25 February 1916
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29489/page/2101/data.pdf
    Princess Charlotte of Wales's (Royal Berk- shire Regiment).
    Second Lieutenant Miles C. Dempsey to be Lieutenant. Dated 8th August, 1915.

    London Gazette : 28 December 1918
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/31085/supplement/15156/data.pdf
    The following is a continuation of Sir D. Haig's Despatch of the 8th November, sub- mitting names deserving of special mention:—
    ROYAL BERKSHIRE REGIMENT.
    Dempsey, Lt. (A./Capt.) M. C., 1st Bn.

    London Gazette : 6 January 1922
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/32570/supplement/257/data.pdf
    R. Berks R.—
    Lt. D. W. Furlong, O.B.E., M.C., to be Adjt, vice Capt. M. C. Dempsey, M.C. 5th Oct. 1921.

    London Gazette : 11 March 1932
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/33807/page/1680/data.pdf
    The undermentioned are seed.: —
    R. Berks R.—
    Capt..M. C. Dempsey, M.C., for serv. on the Staff. 19th Feb. 1932.

    London Gazette : 14 October 1932
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/33873/page/6489/data.pdf
    R. Berks. R.—
    Capt. M. C. Dempsey, M.C., to be Maj. 22nd Sept. 1932.

    London Gazette : 8 February 1938
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34480/page/810/data.pdf
    MEMORANDA.
    Maj. M. C. Dempsey, M.C., R. Berks. R., relinquishes the appt. of G.S.O. 2nd Grade, Def. Forces, Union of S. Africa. 29th J a n . 1938.

    London Gazette : 18 February 1938
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34485/page/1081/data.pdf
    R. Berks. R.—
    Maj. M. C. Dempsey, M.C., to be Lt.-Col: 11th Feb. 1938.

    London Gazette : 11 July 1940
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34893/supplement/4261/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned awards for gallant and distinguished services in action in connection with recent operations.:—
    The Distinguished Service Order.
    Lieutenant-Colonel (acting Brigadier) Miles Christopher Dempsey, M.C., The Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales's).

    London Gazette : 26 July 1940
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34904/supplement/4579/data.pdf
    The names of the undermentioned have been brought to notice in recognition of distinguished services rendered in connection with operations in the field. (First list, to March 1940, sub- joined. Second list, March-June 1940, to be published later):—
    Dempsey, Lt.-Col. (actg. Brig.) M..C., D.S.O., M.C., R. Berks. R.

    London Gazette : 20 June 1941
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35195/supplement/3497/data.pdf
    REGULAR ARMY.
    COMMANDS AND STAFF.
    Lt.-Col. M. C. Dempsey, D.S.O., M.C. (9391), R. Berks R., to be a Comdr., and is granted the actg. rank of Maj.-Gen. 15th June 1941.

    London Gazette : 11 July 1941
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35216/supplement/3972/data.pdf
    COMMANDS AND STAFF.
    Lt.-Col. (temp. Brig.) M. C. DEMPSEY, D.S.O., M.C. (9391), R. Berks R., to be a Comdr. and is granted the actg. rank of Maj.- Gen. 15th June 1941. (Substituted for the notifn. in the Gazette of 20th June 1941).

    London Gazette : 19 August 1941
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35250/supplement/4789/data.pdf
    The undermentioned to be Cols.:-
    Lt.-Col. (actg. Maj.-Gen.) M. C. Dempsey, D.S.O., M.C. (9391), from R. Berks. R., 11th Aug. 1941, with seniority 11th Feb. 1941.

    London Gazette : 15 December 1942
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35821/supplement/5449/data.pdf
    REGULAR ARMY.
    Col. (temp. Maj.-Gen.) M. C. Dempsey, D.S.O., M.C. (9391), is granted the actg. rank of Lt.-Gen. 12th Dec. 1942.

    London Gazette : 14 October 1943
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36209/supplement/4539/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotion in, and appointments to, the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, in recognition of distinguished services in Sicily: —
    To be Additional Members of the Military Division of the Third Class, or Companions, of the said Most Honourable Order: —
    Lieutenant-General (acting) Miles Christopher Dempsey, D.S.O., M.C. (9391), late The Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales's).

    London Gazette : 29 June 1944
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36586/page/3069/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotion in, and appoint- ment to, the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, in recognition of distinguished services in connection with the operations in Normandy —
    To be an Additional Member of the Military Division of the Second Class, or Knights Commanders, of the said Most Honourable Order.—
    Lieutenant-General (temporary) Miles Christopher Dempsey, CB., D.SO., MC. (9391), late The Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales's ) .

    London Gazette : 12 April 1945
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37027/supplement/1947/data.pdf
    The KING has been pleased to grant unrestricted permission for the wearing of the following .decora- tions which have been conferred on the undermen- tioned officers in recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the Allies: —
    DECORATIONS CONFERRED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
    Legion of Merit, Degree of Commander.
    Lieutenant-General Sir Miles Christopher Dempsey, K.C.B., D.S.O., M.C. (9391), late The Royal Berkshire Regiment.

    London Gazette : 5 July 1945
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37161/supplement/3489/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe: —
    To be Additional Knights Commanders of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order: —
    Lieutenant-General Sir Miles Christopher DEMPSEY, K.C.B., D.S.O., M.C. (9391), late The Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of W ales's).

    London Gazette : 9 August 1945
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37213/supplement/4044/data.pdf
    The KING has been .graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North-West Europe:—
    Commands and Staff.
    Lt.-Gen. Sir Miles C. DEMPSEY, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. (9391), late R. Berks. R.

    London Gazette : 4 April 1946
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37521/supplement/1672/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North-West Europe:—
    Commands and Staff.
    Lt.-Gen. Sir Miles C. DEMPSEY, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. (9391), late R. Berks.

    London Gazette : 12 July 1946
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37648/supplement/3607/data.pdf
    REGULAR ARMY.
    Lt.JGen. Sir Miles C. DEMPSEY, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. (9391), is granted the acting rank of General, 28th June 1946.

    London Gazette : 22 October 1946
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37764/supplement/5191/data.pdf
    REGULAR ARMY.
    Lt.-Gen. (actg. Gen.) Sir Miles C. DEMPSEY, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. (9391), to be Gen., 14th Oct. 1946.

    London Gazette : 20 December 1946
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37823/supplement/6169/data.pdf
    R. Berks. R.
    Gen. Sir Miles C. DEMPSEY, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., is appt. Col., 22nd Nov. 1946, vice
    Maj.-Gen. R. J. COLLINS, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., resigned.

    London Gazette : 16 January 1947
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37853/supplement/324/data.pdf
    The KING has been pleased to grant unrestricted permission for the wearing of the following decora- tions which have been conferred on the .under- mentioned personnel in recognition of distinguished services in-the cause of the Allies:—
    DECORATIONS CONFERRED BY His ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE REGENT OF BELGIUM.
    Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold with Palm. Croix de Guerre 1940 with Palm.
    General Sir Miles Christopher DEMPSEY, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. (9391), The Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales's).

    London Gazette : 20 March 1947
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37909/supplement/1315/data.pdf
    The KING has been pleased to grant unrestricted permission for the wearing of the following decorations which have been conferred on the under-mentioned personnel in recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the Allies:—
    DECORATIONS CONFERRED BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF THE NETHERLANDS.
    Knight Grand Officer of the Order of Orange Nassau with Swords.
    General Sir Miles Christopher DEMPSEY, K .C .B ., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. (9391), late The Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of W ales's).

    London Gazette : 20 June 1947
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37990/supplement/2772/data.pdf
    CORPS OF ROYAL MILITARY POLICE.
    Gen. Sir Miles C. DEMPSEY, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., A.D.C., Colonel, The Royal Berkshire Regiment, late Infantry, is appointed Col. Com- mandant, Corps of Royal Military Police, 13th Mar. 1947.

    London Gazette : 22 August 1947
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38051/supplement/3933/data.pdf
    REGULAR ARMY.
    Gen. Sir Miles C. DEMPSEY, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M .C ., A.D.C.Gen. (9391), retires on ret. pay, 22nd Aug. 1947.

    London Gazette : 9 January 1948
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38172/supplement/203/data.pdf
    R. Berks. R.
    Capt. M. C. DEMPSEY (112852) resigns his commn., 8th Jan.. 1948.

    London Gazette : 16 January 1948
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38178/supplement/401/data.pdf
    The KING has been pleased to grant unrestricted permission for the wearing of the following decorations which have been conferred on the under- mentioned personnel in recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the Allies:—
    DECORATIONS CONFERRED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
    Distinguished Service Medal.
    General Sir Miles Christopher DEMPSEY, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. (9391), late Infantry.

    London Gazette : 16 March 1948
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38237/supplement/1866/data.pdf
    Gen. Sir Miles C. DEMPSEY, KCB, KBE., DSO, MC. (9391), to be Honorary Colonel 21st S.A.S. Regt. (Artists Rifles), 29th Jan. 1948, vice Col. The Lord STRATCONA and MOUNT ROYAL, whose tenure has expired

    London Gazette : 27 October 1950
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/39053/page/5362/data.pdf
    Commissions signed by the Lord Lieutenant of the County of Berks.
    General Sir Miles Christopher Dempsey, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., The Old Vicarage,, Greenham, Newbury, Berks; .

    London Gazette : 20 March 1951
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/39176/supplement/1498/data.pdf
    SPECIAL AIR SERVICE REGIMENT.
    Gen. Sir Miles Christopher DEMPSEY, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., D.L. (9391) is appointed Col. Comd., 21st Feb. 1951.

    London Gazette : 29 June 1951
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/39270/supplement/3538/data.pdf
    SPECIAL AIR SERVICE REGIMENT.
    Col. Brian Morton Forster FRANKS, D.S.O., M.C., T,D. (89085), is appointed Hon. Col. of a T.A. unit, 21st Feb. 1951, vice General Sir Miles Chrisopher DEMPSEY, K.C.B., K.B.E., (D.S.O., M.C., D.L. (9391), who has resigned the appt.

    London Gazette : 19 June 1952
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/39575/supplement/3357/data.pdf
    CEREMONIALS OBSERVED AT THE ARRIVAL OF THE REMAINS OF HIS LA TE MAJESTY KING GEORGE THE SIXTH, OF BLESSED MEMORY, FOR THE LYING IN STATE AT WESTMINSTER HALL: AND AT HIS LATE MAJESTY'S FUNERAL.
    Suites of Foreign Royalties and Heads of States and British Suites attached.
    General Sir Miles Dempsey, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C.

    London Gazette : 19 June 1952
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/39575/supplement/3371/data.pdf
    CEREMONIALS OBSERVED AT THE ARRIVAL OF THE REMAINS OF HIS LA TE MAJESTY KING GEORGE THE SIXTH, OF BLESSED MEMORY, FOR THE LYING IN STATE AT WESTMINSTER HALL: AND AT HIS LATE MAJESTY'S FUNERAL.
    Suites of Foreign Royalties and Heads of States and British Suites attached.
    General Sir Miles Dempsey, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C.

    London Gazette : 2 January 1956
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/40669/supplement/6/data.pdf
    The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire:—
    To be an Ordinary Knight Grand Cross of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order :—
    General Sir Miles Christopher DEMPSEY, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. (9391), late Infantry (now R.A.R.O.), Colonel, The Royal Berkshire Regiment; Colonel Commandant, Special Air Service Regiment; Colonel Commandant, Corps of Royal Military Police.

    London Gazette : 2 January 1956
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/40669/supplement/6/data.pdf
    The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire:—
    To be an Ordinary Knight Grand Cross of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order :—
    General Sir Miles Christopher DEMPSEY, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. (9391), late Infantry (now R.A.R.O.), Colonel, The Royal Berkshire Regiment; Colonel Commandant, Special Air Service Regiment; Colonel Commandant, Corps of Royal Military Police.

    London Gazette : 31 January 1956
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/40698/supplement/639/data.pdf
    COMMANDS AND STAFFS.
    Gen. Sir Miles C. DEMPSEY, G.B.E., K.C.B.,D.S.O., M.C., D.L. (9391), late Inf. relinquishes his appointment as Commander-in-chief, United Kingdom Land Forces, 16th Jan. 1956.

    London Gazette : 20 November 1956
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/40928/supplement/6564/data.pdf
    R. Berks.
    REGULAR ARMY.
    Brig. Dudley William Bruce Trower HOGG, C.B.E. (27205), late Inf., to be Colonel, The Royal 'Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales's). 22nd Nov. 1956, vice Gen. Sir Miles Christopher DEMPSEY, G.B.E., K.C.B., D.S.O., M.C., D.L. (9391), tenure expired.

    London Gazette : 12 April 1960
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/42004/supplement/2640/data.pdf
    SPECIAL AIR SERVICE REGIMENT
    REGULAR ARMY
    Col. (Hon. Maj.-Gen.) Sir Robert LAYCOCK, KjCM.G., C.B., D.S.O., is appointed Colonel Commandant, Special Air Service Regiment, 11th Apr. 1960, in succession to Gen. Sir Miles DEMPSEY, G.B.E., KC.B., DS.O., M.C., D.L.
     
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