207670 David Allan BETHELL, MC, MiD, 1 Scots Guards

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by dbf, Aug 11, 2011.

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details
    Name Bethell, David Allan
    Rank: Lieutenant
    Service No: 207670
    Regiment: 1 Battalion Scots Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia)
    Award: Military Cross
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 09 December 1943
    Date 1943-1944
    Catalogue reference WO 373/2
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36278/supplement/5373/data.pdf

    24th Guards Brigade, 1st British Infantry Division, 5 Corps
    207670 War Substantive Lieutenant the Honourable David Allan BETHELL, 1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS

    On the morning of 23rd April, 1943, this Officer was in Command of a Platoon in the attack on Point 156. He, by his courage and initiative, enabled that objective to be taken and held.

    The leading platoon had been pinned to the ground by heavy Machine Gun fire from the objective. His own platoon which was the right hand rear platoon was also heavily fire on from the objective and from a hill on his right. It was impracticable for him to get forward on his own front. In spite of casualties, he got hold of his platoon and, of his own initiative, led them crawling through the corn under continued Machine Gun fire and added Mortar fire, to a position on the left from which a successful assault was subsequently made.

    Had it not been for the initiative, courage and leadership of this young Officer, the assault could not have been made. During the assault he led his platoon on to the objective inspiring even wounded men to follow him. As soon as the objective was taken, it was subjected to further prolonged Mortar fire. During this time he consolidated his position and helped the wounded, moving about regardless of his own safety.

    On learning that his Company Commander and all the other Officers of his Company had fallen casualties, he took over Command and continued to lead it until it was relieved that evening, though he himself all the time was slightly wounded in the chest and hand. His wounds then being dressed, he returned to his platoon, the Second-in-Command having come up to take over.

    On the afternoon of 27th April his Company attacked DJEBEL BOU ARARA. His Company Commander was killed early on and Lieutenant BETHELL again took over Command and fought his way on to the objective. During the ascent he and two Guardsmen attacked and silence an enemy Machine Gun post. The following morning his Company again attacked DJEBEL BOU ARARA and Lieutenant BETHELL led it with courage and initiative.

    Throughout the fighting of April and May this young Officer not only displayed great personal courage and leadership but also found himself commanding a Company in the attack under extremely trying circumstances.

    Signed M.E.St.J. BARNE, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS


    Previously Mentioned in Despatches 23.9.1943
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: May 4, 2020
  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details
    Name Bethell, David Allan
    Rank: Lieutenant
    Service No: 207670
    Regiment: 1 Battalion Scots Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: Royal Air Force
    Award: Military Cross
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 14 December 1943
    Date 1943-1944
    Catalogue reference WO 373/94
     
  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

Share This Page