- SURNAME
Walker
- FORENAME
David John
- UNIT
22 SAS
- RANK
Captain
- NUMBER
474085
- AWARD
Mention in Despatches
- PLACE
Dhofar 1972 (MiD)
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
parent unit Royal Engineers
recommended for MC, awarded MiD
London Gazette 46350, 24th September 1974, Page 7913
CITATION:
Mention in Despatches : Captain WALKER was a troop commander in 'G' Squadron during two STORM tours. On both tours he displayed tremendous qualities of leadership and courage. His example and initiative ensured the success of whatever group he was with. Two typical incidents are reported below:
On 19th July, 1972 during the battle of MIRBAT WALKER was in charge of a group of 15 men sent forward to secure a small but dominant ridge, soon after the relieving force had landed by helicopter. As soon as the group had arrived on the ridge 5 enemy were seen moving across the front of the position. WALKER's group immediately engaged the enemy, killing all five. Leaving a small group to protect his rear WALKER advanced to collect the bodies and weapons. He then came under very heavy fire from the area of the MIRBAT fort. This fire later transpired to be the enemy covering their withdrawal from the fort. WALKER's group then covered the remainder of the relieving force into the town. His skill in selecting ground and his artful tactical deployment enabled him to trap a complete enemy group of 30 between his ridge, the town and the sea. This enemy group was then completely destroyed by WALKER and his small group. WALKER's calmness, quick thinking and personal bravery played a vital part in the victory.
On the night of 20th October, 1972 Captain WALKER was in command of a group of 30 Firqat, 35 BG and 16 BATT tasked with securing a firm base prior to an operation to seize the Jebel ARAM. At approximately 0200 hours when in the final RV, WALKER sent out a party to secure the east flank of the position. As the party was moving out it came under fire from approximately 6 enemy concealed in the final objective 100 yards in front of WALKER. The enemy were well protected in some rocks which formed a natural sangar. Exercising great skill WALKER ordered the flank group to give covering fire while he and Ssgt REES moved forward to deal with the enemy. (The Firqat having gone to ground on the west flank). The determination of WALKER and REES' attack drove the enemy from the position. A follow up was impossible because of the darkness but the enemy had. sustained several casualties. There is no doubt that WALKER's prompt. action and brave leadership prevented the enemy from threatening the success of the operation.
These two incidents stand out among several others as a beacon to illustrate his cool decisive leadership in action. There is no doubt that his bravery proved an inspiration to each of his men and his tactical acumen ensured success on many occasions.
Place : Oman
Date of Action : 19th July 1972 and 20th October 1972
How Employed : Troop Commander
On 19th July, 1972 during the battle of MIRBAT WALKER was in charge of a group of 15 men sent forward to secure a small but dominant ridge, soon after the relieving force had landed by helicopter. As soon as the group had arrived on the ridge 5 enemy were seen moving across the front of the position. WALKER's group immediately engaged the enemy, killing all five. Leaving a small group to protect his rear WALKER advanced to collect the bodies and weapons. He then came under very heavy fire from the area of the MIRBAT fort. This fire later transpired to be the enemy covering their withdrawal from the fort. WALKER's group then covered the remainder of the relieving force into the town. His skill in selecting ground and his artful tactical deployment enabled him to trap a complete enemy group of 30 between his ridge, the town and the sea. This enemy group was then completely destroyed by WALKER and his small group. WALKER's calmness, quick thinking and personal bravery played a vital part in the victory.
On the night of 20th October, 1972 Captain WALKER was in command of a group of 30 Firqat, 35 BG and 16 BATT tasked with securing a firm base prior to an operation to seize the Jebel ARAM. At approximately 0200 hours when in the final RV, WALKER sent out a party to secure the east flank of the position. As the party was moving out it came under fire from approximately 6 enemy concealed in the final objective 100 yards in front of WALKER. The enemy were well protected in some rocks which formed a natural sangar. Exercising great skill WALKER ordered the flank group to give covering fire while he and Ssgt REES moved forward to deal with the enemy. (The Firqat having gone to ground on the west flank). The determination of WALKER and REES' attack drove the enemy from the position. A follow up was impossible because of the darkness but the enemy had. sustained several casualties. There is no doubt that WALKER's prompt. action and brave leadership prevented the enemy from threatening the success of the operation.
These two incidents stand out among several others as a beacon to illustrate his cool decisive leadership in action. There is no doubt that his bravery proved an inspiration to each of his men and his tactical acumen ensured success on many occasions.
Place : Oman
Date of Action : 19th July 1972 and 20th October 1972
How Employed : Troop Commander
WEB LINKS:
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/46350/supplement/7913https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7631417
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7488107
NATIONAL ARCHIVES:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7631417https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7488107
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