Recommendation for Award for Dawnay, David Rank: Lieutenant Colonel Service... | The National Archives Reference: WO 373/2/1 Name: Dawnay, David Rank: Lieutenant Colonel Service No: 28293 Regiment: Attached North Irish Horse Royal Armoured Corps Theatre of Combat or Operation: North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia) Award: Distinguished Service Order Date of announcement in London Gazette: 22 July 1943 25 Army Tank Brigade, 78 Division, 5 Corps 28293 Lieutenant-Colonel David DAWNAY, NORTH IRISH HORSE For devotion to duty and outstanding leadership during operations between 5 Apr 43 and 26 Apr 43, when commanding his Bn in support of 36 Inf Bde. During this period Lieutenant-Colonel DAWNAY’s Churchills accomplished feats in support of the Infantry which were previously considered impossible. But owing to his skilfull manoeuvring, outstanding leadership and determination to give maximum support to the Infantry he was very largely responsible for the capture of at least three important objectives including ‘LONGSTOP’ with comparatively light casualties to personnel and tanks. During battle Lieut.-Col. DAWNAY keeps the closest control over his sub-units and by his firm command combined with encouragement invariably gets the very best out of his officers and men. His own action in battle is an inspiration to his Battalion.