MAJOR LONSDALE ADDRESSING THE REMNANTS OF 1, 3, AND 11TH PARA. STH STAFFS, THE BORDERERS AND THE GLIDER PILOT REGT AT OOSTERBEEK CHURCH ARNHEM 1944 Major Lonsdale's speech: "You know as well as I do there are a lot of bloody Germans coming at us. Well, all we can do is to stay here and hang on in the hope that somebody catches us up. We must fight for our lives and stick together. We've fought the Germans before - in North Africa, Sicily, Italy. They weren't good enough for us then, and they're bloody well not good enough for us now. They're up against the finest soldiers in the world. An hour from now you will take up defensive positions north of the road outside. Make certain you dig in well and that your weapons and ammo are in good order. We are getting short of ammo, so when you shoot you shoot to kill. Good luck to you all" MAJOR LONSDALE'S CITATION FOR THE BAR TO HIS D.S.O: At ARNHEM on the 20th September, this officer, although wounded in the hand and arm, was given command of the remnants of three Parachute Battalions who had withdrawn from the town. This detachment, about 400 strong, was allotted the task of holding part of the divisional perimeter. Major Lonsdale so organised and inspired those under him that in spite of repeated attacks by enemy infantry, tanks and self-propelled guns, the positions taken up were subsequently held until the remains of the division withdrew over the River LEK. Throughout this period of six days the positions were continually mortared and shelled. Major Lonsdale, although again wounded, organised several counter attacks to regain ground temporarily lost and his personal example and supreme contempt of danger was an inspiration to all those with whom he came in contact.
Yet another well observed and executed drawing. The expert way you deal with the subjects is amazing.
Thanks again Morse! The image is a bit blurred so here's a close up of the man himself giving the speech!
