138640 Colin David Carelton KENNARD, DSO, 1 Irish Guards

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Name Kennard, Colin David
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: P/138640
Regiment: 1 Battalion Irish Guards
Theatre of Combat or Operation: North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia)
Award: Distinguished Service Order
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 22 July 1943
Date 1943-1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/2

Downgraded from V.C. to D.S.O.

24th Guards Brigade, 1st British Division, 6 American Corps
P/138640 War Substantive Lieutenant Colin David KENNARD, 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS

Action: Attack on Points 212 and 214
Date: 27th April to 1st May 1943.

This Officer was in command of No. 3 Company, which held Point 212, a place vital to the rest of the position. More than any other single person he was responsible for holding and retaining this vital position.

He personally organised and led two highly successful counter-attacks, clearing the crest and forward slopes of Point 214 after they had been overrun by the enemy.

He led the party which eliminated a pair of extremely troublesome Machine Guns on a hill beyond 214, leading the final charge and personally shooting No. 1 on the first gun with his revolver. HIs unfailing energy, constant presence, cheerfulness, resolution and disregard of his own safety was an inspiration to the men of his company and to the whole force.

Even when he was wounded and handed over command, on the Force Commander's orders to Serjeant ASHTON, he continued to visit his Company, after intervals of rest and could be seen limping and hopping from one rock to another, encouraging the men and cursing the Germans. He somehow managed to get in the forefront of the last counter-attack, and when not hurling grenades was pointing out suitable targets to his rifleman. He won a sort of awed admiration from his men, who would do anything for him and were continually asking how and where he was.

This Officer's gallantry and magnificent leadership inspired his men to fight back when they had been overrun by the enemy, enabled his Company to hold this very important height and withstand five counter-attacks.

I have no hesitation in saying that the loss of this position would have been a serious setback to the whole operation and it was due to his great spirit and conspicuous gallantry that the whole company fought and maintained this vital position at a very critical time.

Signed C.A. Montagu-Douglas-Scott, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS

[Additional type written comment] It would appear that it was the great gallantry and devotion to duty of this Officer that enabled Point 212 to be held agains determined attacks by superior enemy forces.

Had this feature been lost the entire course of the battle would have altered.
I strongly recommend him for the Victoria Cross.

 

Personal Number: 138640
Rank: Captain
Name: Colin David KENNARD, DSO
Unit: Irish Guards

London Gazette : 5 July 1940
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34888/supplement/4080/data.pdf
The undermentioned Cadets, from Officer Cadet Training Units, to be 2nd Lts. except as otherwise stated. 4th July 1940: —
FOOT GUARDS.
I. G'ds.
Colin David KENNARD (138640).

London Gazette : 26 July 1940
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34905/supplement/4590/data.pdf
The undermentioned Cadets, from Officer Cadet Training Units, to take precedence as now shown and not as stated in Gazette (Supplement) dated 5th July 1940:—
Colin David KENNARD (138640).

London Gazette : 22 July 1943
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36102/page/3316/data.pdf
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa: —
The Distinguished Service Order.
Lieutenant (acting Captain) Colin David Kennard (138640), Irish Guards (Ludlow, Shropshire).

London Gazette : 17 May 1949
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38612/supplement/2406/data.pdf
I. G'ds.
The undermentioned Lts. (War Subs. Capts.) from Emerg. Commns. to be Capts., 1st Jan. 1949, and are granted the hon. rank of Maj.:—
C. D. KENNARD, D.S.O. (138640).