- SURNAME
Lowther
- FORENAME
Clive Dennis
- UNIT
D Squadron (17 Troop)
- RANK
Staff Sergeant
- NUMBER
24026186
- AWARD
Mention in Despatches
- PLACE
Falklands 1982
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent unit Parachute Regiment
age 36
London Gazette 49134, 8th October 1982, Page 12853
CITATION:
Mention in Despatches : During the night of 14/15 June 1982 the battle for STANLEY was in its final stages. To divert the enemy's attention away from the main assaults on WIRELESS RIDGE and TUMBLEDOWN MOUNTAIN, D Squadron 22 SAS were tasked to conduct a diversionary attack onto CORTLEY HILL, a position in the enemy rear. The Squadron was formed into 2 elements, a fire support team to provide covering fire for an assault troop which itself was to be carried into battle by Rigid Raiding craft. SSGT LOWTHER commanded a patrol of this assault troop.
No sooner had the assault force beached on the enemy shore than the troop came under intense fire from an enemy anti-aircraft unit comprising at least three anti-aircraft guns with supporting infantry dug in about 300 metres from the landing point. At this point SSGT LOWTHER again demonstrated his cool courage. In a confused chaotic situation he retained control of his patrol and directly contributed to the orderly withdrawal of his troop: a withdrawal necessitated by the severity of the enemy's opposition. Regaining his craft he remained, covering the return of each of the other elements of the force until all were back, only then did he order departure. Recrossing HEARDEN WATER, each of the craft received repeated hits from the massive automatic fire being brought to bear. It was at this stage that SSGT LOWTHER was badly wounded in the shoulder.
Despite his injury he retained command of his patrol. Stopping only to receive dressing for his wound, and refusing morphine to ensure his full consciousness, he led his patrol to the Squadron Rendezvous Point. This journey, of some three miles, he completed in considerable pain. He repeatedly refused to initiate extraction by helicopter until he regained comparative security of the Squadron mortar location.
This unselfish courage and calm is the hallmark of SSGT LOWTHER's leadership. And, this is not the first occasion in which he distinguished himself. Throughout operations CORPORATE and PARAQUET his troop, because of their amphibious skills, have repeatedly been to the fore, and he has invariably made a most vital personal contribution.
In SOUTH GEORGIA he led a patrol, in appalling conditions, to reconnoitre enemy strengths and dispositions in the LEITH area, this was successful. Later he contributed to the reconnaissance and assault on PEBBLE ISLAND which resulted in the destruction of 11 enemy ground attack aircraft - a significant contribution to the war. On diversion raids preceding the main amphibious landings: on advance force direct action operations behind enemy lines SSGT LOWTHER's performance has been exemplary. His courage, skill and cool, exemplified by the CORTLEY HILL action, have been inspirational and deserve suitable recognition.
Place : Falkland Islands
Date of Action : 9 April - 15 June 1982
How Employed : SAS Patrol Commander
No sooner had the assault force beached on the enemy shore than the troop came under intense fire from an enemy anti-aircraft unit comprising at least three anti-aircraft guns with supporting infantry dug in about 300 metres from the landing point. At this point SSGT LOWTHER again demonstrated his cool courage. In a confused chaotic situation he retained control of his patrol and directly contributed to the orderly withdrawal of his troop: a withdrawal necessitated by the severity of the enemy's opposition. Regaining his craft he remained, covering the return of each of the other elements of the force until all were back, only then did he order departure. Recrossing HEARDEN WATER, each of the craft received repeated hits from the massive automatic fire being brought to bear. It was at this stage that SSGT LOWTHER was badly wounded in the shoulder.
Despite his injury he retained command of his patrol. Stopping only to receive dressing for his wound, and refusing morphine to ensure his full consciousness, he led his patrol to the Squadron Rendezvous Point. This journey, of some three miles, he completed in considerable pain. He repeatedly refused to initiate extraction by helicopter until he regained comparative security of the Squadron mortar location.
This unselfish courage and calm is the hallmark of SSGT LOWTHER's leadership. And, this is not the first occasion in which he distinguished himself. Throughout operations CORPORATE and PARAQUET his troop, because of their amphibious skills, have repeatedly been to the fore, and he has invariably made a most vital personal contribution.
In SOUTH GEORGIA he led a patrol, in appalling conditions, to reconnoitre enemy strengths and dispositions in the LEITH area, this was successful. Later he contributed to the reconnaissance and assault on PEBBLE ISLAND which resulted in the destruction of 11 enemy ground attack aircraft - a significant contribution to the war. On diversion raids preceding the main amphibious landings: on advance force direct action operations behind enemy lines SSGT LOWTHER's performance has been exemplary. His courage, skill and cool, exemplified by the CORTLEY HILL action, have been inspirational and deserve suitable recognition.
Place : Falkland Islands
Date of Action : 9 April - 15 June 1982
How Employed : SAS Patrol Commander
WEB LINKS:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7637561https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/49134/supplement/12853
Last edited by a moderator:
