53116 Eustace John Blois NELSON, DSO, MC, MiD, 3 Grenadier Guards

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Nelson, Eustace John Blois
Rank: Captain
Service No: 53116
Regiment: 3 Battalion Grenadier Guards
Theatre of Combat or Operation: North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia)
Award: Military Cross
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 23 September 1943
Date 1943-1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/2


1st Guards Brigade, 6th Armoured Division, 9 Corps
53116 Captain, Temporary Major Eustace John Blois NELSON, 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS

On 28th January, 1943, at BOU ARADA, Major NELSON's Company were ordered to carry out a raid on the feature of DJEBEL BARKA as a covering force for the relief of the Battalion.

Major NELSON personally led one of his patrols which achieved its object and captured prisoners. During the patrol, one of his men was badly wounded, and Major NELSON himself carried the wounded man to safety under difficult circumstances.

Again, at ALLILIGA on 5th February, 1943, Major NELSON successfully covered two other Companies out of a very critical position, and extricated his own Company when the rest were clear.

During the withdrawal, Major NELSO organised the safe evacuation of many casualties, and his courage and leadership throughout these two operations were of a high order.

I highly recommend that he receives a Mention in Despatches.

Signed Major, Commanding 3rd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS


Strongly recommended but in my opinion this Officer's conduct in battle is deserving of a periodical award of M.C.

Signed V. COPLAND-GRIFFITHS, Brigadier, Commanding 1st Guards Brigade, 2nd April 1943


Recommended for Mention in Despatches
Granted M.C.

Previously Mentioned in Despatches 26th July 1940, British Expeditionary Force

 

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Nelson, Eustace John Blois
Rank: Major, Temporary Lieutenant Colonel
Service No: 53116
Regiment: 3 Battalion Grenadier Guards
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
Award: Distinguished Service Order
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 10 May 1945
Date 1945
Catalogue reference WO 373/11

Please note that the bottom left-hand margin of this recommendation has been damaged and as a result part of the text is missing.

1st Guards Brigade, 6th British Armoured Division, 13 Corps
53116 War Substantive Major, Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel Eustace John Blois NELSON, M.C.

On 9th October 1944, Lieutenant-Colonel E.J.B. NELSON, M.C. was commanding a force of GRENADIER, COLDSTREAM and WELSH GUARDS in the area of BATTAGLIA (Map Ref ITALY, 1/25,000, Sheet 99 IV 0617).

On the night of the 9th, Colonel NELSON's H.Q. received a direct hit, causing considerable casualties, loss of communication and great confusion. Colonel NELSON re-organised his H.Q., evacuated the wounded, and carried on in the shorts possible time.

At 0200 hours 10th October an attack by a fighting patrol was made on the H.Q., sentries were shot and grenades thorn in through the window. The casualties from this left Colonel NELSON alone with one signaller and his runner.

With great coolness and efficiency despite the confusion and enemy fire, Colonel NELSON assembled all remaining personnel from the neighbourhood to defend the H.Q., salvaged the wireless sets and telephones, and re-established contact with ? H.Q. and the rifle companies, and evacuated the wounded. All this he did personally, showing the greatest calmness and speed.

On the night 10th October / 11th October a German battalion attack was put in, with first objective Colonel NELSON's H.Q. The H.Q. was surrounded and attacked at close range. Colonel NELSON beat off this attack, and conducted the battle which was going on with the other companies at the same time. The battle lasted from 0200 hours until 0600 hours on the 11th, when the Germans were completely routed and 80 prisoners taken.

[Some words are missing from the following paragraph; some have been guessed at and placed in the text below, otherwise … has been inserted to show gaps.]

This success was entirely due to the magnificent way Colonel NELSON controlled the battle, although under heavy fire … lly the whole time. There is no doubt that Colonel NELSON's conduct during the 48 hours from 9th October to 11th October displayed all the finest attributes a soldier can … his personal bravery, efficiency and coolness in … undoubtedly turned what might have been a serious … into a great success.

In the words of the … Yeomanry Battery Commander, who was with him, "It was entirely the bravery and coolness of Colonel NELSON which won the day; he never failed to pass on all information and give everyone a clear picture. It was obvious to all of us that Colonel NELSON was certain of success, and he inspired us to the same confidence by his magnificent example."

[Some text has been crossed out.]

Granted an Immediate D.S.O.

Signed Brigadier, Commanding 1st Guards Brigade

 

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The Tatler 22nd July 1936

The Bystander 26th October 1936