- SURNAME
Easonsmith
- FORENAME
John Richard (Jake)
- UNIT
LRDG Commanding Officer
- RANK
Lieutenant Colonel
- NUMBER
140546
- DATE OF DEATH
16th November 1943
- AGE
43
- GRAVESITE
Leros War Cemetery,Greece 3.B.3
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent unit Royal Tank Regiment,R.A.C.
born 12.4.1909 Bristol
resided Coombe Dingle,Bristol
son of George and Daisy Aldridge Easonsmith,Bristol
husband of Honor Gertrude (nee Marsh) Easonsmith,Rudgeway,Gloucestershire
educated Mill Hill School,London
educated Clifton College,Bristol
travelling salesman,Emu Wine Company,Bristol in civilian life
4 Gloucestershire Searchlight Regiment,Royal Artillery (Sgt) 1939
commissioned Royal Tank Regiment (2Lt)
award M.C. (London Gazette 21.10.1941) (2Lt)
joined LRDG March 1941
previously served in Y and R1 patrols
award D.S.O. (London Gazette 26.11.1942) (Captain)
KIA Leros
Clifton War Memorial ("Eason-Smith" - error)
London Gazette 35396, 26th December 1941, Page 7334 (MC)
London Gazette 35799, 24th November 1941, Page 5141 (DSO)
DATE OF DEATH:
16-Nov-1943AWARD:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/easonsmith-john-richard.27895/CITATION:
Military Cross : During the period June 1st 1941 to July 5th 1941, this officer has led several small motorized patrols from SIWA to JEBEL EL AKHDAR region to obtain information and to transport agents. These patrols have been operating 200 miles behind enemy lines, and have been very successful in all their enterprises.
They have destroyed at least 12 enemy vehicles. 2/Lieut. Easonsmith has displayed daring, initiative and a high power of leadership in avoiding detection and in completing successfully the tasks allotted to him. I recommend the award of a Military Cross to this officer.
Distinguished Service Order : Maj. EASONSMITH commanded a LRDG Sqn which, on the night 13/14 Sep 42, destroyed 20 aircraft and damaged 12 others on BARCE L.L., inflicted casualties to the garrison, and destroyed petrol dumps. Maj. EASONSMITH himself on one vehicle caused damage to vehicles and casualties to personnel in an attack on a M.T. Park.
On the return journey the Sqn was ambushed by 150 tps. By his cool leadership and example under fire Major EASONSMITH brought the sqn through the ambush with few casualties. Later, when all vehicles save two had been destroyed by fighter aircraft he despatched the wounded by car to LG 125 whence they were flown to CAIRO and himself led a walking party 70 miles across country to RV with another LRDG patrol. The safe return of the majority of his personnel and the success of the operation can be largely attributed to Major EASONSMITH's personal courage and untiring devotion to duty.
They have destroyed at least 12 enemy vehicles. 2/Lieut. Easonsmith has displayed daring, initiative and a high power of leadership in avoiding detection and in completing successfully the tasks allotted to him. I recommend the award of a Military Cross to this officer.
Distinguished Service Order : Maj. EASONSMITH commanded a LRDG Sqn which, on the night 13/14 Sep 42, destroyed 20 aircraft and damaged 12 others on BARCE L.L., inflicted casualties to the garrison, and destroyed petrol dumps. Maj. EASONSMITH himself on one vehicle caused damage to vehicles and casualties to personnel in an attack on a M.T. Park.
On the return journey the Sqn was ambushed by 150 tps. By his cool leadership and example under fire Major EASONSMITH brought the sqn through the ambush with few casualties. Later, when all vehicles save two had been destroyed by fighter aircraft he despatched the wounded by car to LG 125 whence they were flown to CAIRO and himself led a walking party 70 miles across country to RV with another LRDG patrol. The safe return of the majority of his personnel and the success of the operation can be largely attributed to Major EASONSMITH's personal courage and untiring devotion to duty.
WEB LINKS:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/222489685/john-richard-easonsmith (Memorial)https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7369563 (DSO)
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7358407 (MC)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/222489685/john-richard-easonsmith (Memorial)
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35396/page/7334/ (MC)
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35799/supplement/5141/ (DSO)
FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/34272120/john-richard-easonsmith
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