33116 Joseph Patrick O’BRIEN-TWOHIG, CBE, DSO*, MiD**, 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

Discussion in 'British Army Units - Others' started by dbf, May 19, 2009.

  1. dbf

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    Personal Number: 33116
    Rank: Brigadier
    Name: Joseph Patrick O'BRIEN-TWOHIG, CBE, DSO*, MiD**
    Unit: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers


    London Gazette : 11 October 1929
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/33542/page/6477/data.pdf
    K.O.Y.L.I.—Lt. J. P. O'Brien Twohig is secd, for serv. under the Colonial Office. 4th Sept. 1929.

    London Gazette : 12 July 1935
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34179/page/4525/data.pdf
    K.O.Y.L.I.—
    Lt. J. P. O'Brien Twohig is restd. to the estabt. 5th July 1935.

    London Gazette : 20 December 1940
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35020/supplement/7188/data.pdf
    The names of the undermentioned have been brought to notice in recognition of distinguished services in connection with operations in the field. March - June, 1940.
    THE ROYAL INNISKILLING FUSILIERS.
    Capt. J. P. O'BRIEN TWOHIG.

    London Gazette: 27 August 1943
    http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/36153/supplements/3879

    London Gazette: 21 October 1943
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36217/supplement/4661/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Sicily: —
    The Distinguished Service Order.
    Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Joseph Patrick O'Brien-Twohig (33116), The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Dublin).

    London Gazette: 29 June 1944
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36586/page/3069/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy: —
    Bar to the Distinguished Service Order
    Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Joseph Patnck O'Brien Twohig, D S O. (33116), The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Dublin).

    London Gazette: 13 December 1945
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37386/supplement/6056/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the {following .promotions in, and appoint- ments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy: —
    To be Additional Commanders of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:—
    Brigadier (temporary) Joseph Patrick O'BRIEN TWOHIG, D.S.O. (33116), The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

    London Gazette : 29 November 1945
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37368/supplement/5813/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy: —
    Inniskilling Fus.
    Brig, (temp.) J. P. O'BRiEN-TWOHiG, D.S.O. (33116).

    London Gazette:12 July 1946
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37648/supplement/3608/data.pdf
    Maj. (War Subs. Lt.-Col.) J. P . O'BRIEN-TWOHIG, D.S.O. (33116), to be Lt.-Col., 1st May 1946.

    London Gazette: 7 January 1949
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/38505/supplement/124/data.pdf
    The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Palestine during the period 27th March, 1946-26th September, 1946:—
    ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS.
    5th Innis. D.G.
    Brig, (temp.) J. B. O'BRIEN-TWOHIG, C.B.E., D.S.O. (33116).

    London Gazette: 31 May 1963
    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/43007/supplement/4684/data.pdf
    REGULAR ARMY RESERVE OF OFFICERS
    Col. (Hon. Brig.) J. P. O'BRiEN-TwOHiG, C.B.E., D.S.O. (33116), late Inf., having attained the age limit for liability to recall, ceases to belong to the Res. of Offrs., 30th May 1963.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2021
  2. dbf

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    Lieutenant Colonel J.P. O’Brien Twohig commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, receives the Distinguished Service Order from General Montgomery, in Italy in 1944.

    Recommendation for Award for O'Brien-Twohig, Joseph Patrick Rank: Major,... | The National Archives
    Reference: WO 373/3/509
    Description:
    Name O'Brien-Twohig, Joseph Patrick
    Rank: Major, Temporary Lieutenant Colonel
    Service No: 33116
    Regiment: 2 Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: Sicily
    Award: Distinguished Service Order
    Date of announcement in London Gazette: 21 October 1943

    [​IMG]

    Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Joseph Patrick O’Brien-Twohig, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
    On the afternoon of July 18th, 1943, the battalion was ordered to capture a new bridgehead over the River Simeto. After a fight the bridge was secured and three companies had passed over it by nightfall. The Germans, realising the danger of this threat to their flank, then began to reinforce strongly. All through the night the enemy mortar and machine-gun fire increased in intensity, and at dawn a determined counter-attack supported by tanks was pushed against the bridge while infantry attempted to cross the river and outflank the Inniskillings. The weight of the attack drove the Inniskillings back over the bridge, and three of the four company commanders were either killed or wounded. In these difficult circumstances the gallantry and leadership of Colonel O’Brien-Twohig were outstanding and entirely saved what might have developed into a very critical situation. Moving about with complete disregard of the intense enemy fire he was always at the place where the threat was greatest, encouraging and inspiring his men by his own coolness and determination. He personally reorganised his men into new positions as they fell back over the river and established so strong a line that the attack was halted and no German ever succeeded in placing a foot on the bridge. A counter-attack by our own tanks and infantry was now launched and this, combined with the fierce resistance of the Inniskillings, decided the Germans to withdraw. Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien-Twohig did not know of our counter-attack or that the enemy had withdrawn, but noticing a lull in the enemy firing and realising the great importance of again securing the bridge, he went forward alone to reconnoitre and finding the bridge clear at once pushed his men forward across it to retake the position, which thereafter remained firmly in our hands. There is no doubt that the final success of the operation was very largely due to the conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien-Twohig, whose courage, determination and leadership according with the highest tradition of the Service and inspired all who saw him.

    Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien-Twohig comes from Dublin.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2021
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    https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7350214
    Reference: WO 373/6/278
    Name O'Brien-Twohig, Joseph Patrick
    Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
    Service No: 33116
    Regiment: 2 Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
    Award: Bar to Distinguished Service Order
    Date of announcement in London Gazette: 29 June 1944


    Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Joseph Patrick O’Brien Twohig, D.S.O., The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order.
    >On the night of January 17th-18th, 1944, a battalion of The Royal Inniskillings, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien Twohig, was ordered to force a crossing of the River Garigliano and to capture the east end of the Minturno Ridge. The operation involved crossing the river in assault boats, traversing a broad expanse of plain held by machine-gun posts, and finally taking the ridge itself, which was very steep and woody, protected by deeply dug entrenchments and covered by extensive minefields.

    When the first company of the Inniskillings was crossing the river an unlucky burst of shellfire holed all the boats except one, which later sank, and caused numerous casualties. Almost at the same time another salvo fell in the battalion assembly area, while a third destroyed the reserve boats. Undismayed by these setbacks Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien Twohig led his battalion to another crossing a mile lower down the river, getting them across in the boats of another battalion and having his two leading companies on the start line in time to advance behind the barrage. In spite of heavy casualties the Inniskillings stormed the ridge and captured their objectives. A counter-attack drove them off one of them but Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien Twohig personally reorganised them on the remaining high ground which he held firmly until he was able to organise a further attack which finally routed the enemy.

    Throughout this long and difficult action this officer gave an inspiring example of gallantry and leadership. With complete disregard of danger he personally organised and encouraged the men and produced a complete recovery from a succession of setbacks which might well have proved fatal to the success of the operation.

    During the advance a shell fell beside him, killing two officers and four signallers. Although painfully wounded and considerably shaken, he refused all offers of assistance and evacuation and insisted on continuing to command and lead his men. The successful completion of the task was largely due to this personal example and encouragement and he gave an outstanding example of courage and leadership at a time when those qualities were most urgently required.

    Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien Twohig comes from Dublin.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2021
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    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Jul 28, 2021
  9. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Any ideas what he got his MiD's for Di?
     
  10. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    No sorry Drew, not really my field.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2021
  11. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    No probs - was just wondering if they were mentioed in the display. It's a shame that WW2 MiD citations are so hard to find as they can be for deeds far more than a MM or MC citation etc.

    Probaly by far the most underated award in WW2 IMO.
     
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