116th Infantry Brigade 27th Battalion Royal Marines Awards and Medals NW Europe 1945

Award Distinguished Service Order Capt. (Acting Lieutenant-Colonel Norman Hastings Tailyour, 27 Royal Marines

Lt-Col. TAILYOUR took over command of 27 RM on 8th January 1945 in SCOTLAND. It was then part of a Beach Brigade and was organised on the W.E. of a light battalion. Few of the officers, NCOs or men had any experience of infantry work nor had they been in action before. Six weeks later, on 26th February, 27 RM took over a wide sector on the RIVER MAAS, NW of s’HERTOGENBOSCH.

That this was accomplished smoothly and efficiently was almost entirely due to the organising ability, resourcefulness and a capacity for improvisation shown by Lt-Col. TAILYOUR.

In action this officer has always been a splendid example to his officers and men. His cheerfulness and encouragement were such that, within a very short time, the unit had settled down to its new task and achieved a superiority over the enemy on their front which they never lost.

Near HEUSDEN on the night of 23rd-24th March a strong fighting patrol crossed the river MAAS. When communications broke down and the patrol appeared to be in difficulties, Lt-Col. TAILYOUR crossed the river which by this time was swept by the enemy’s defensive fire. He joined the patrol, rapidly sized up the situation on the spot and gave orders for the completion of the task, which was successfully carried out. The patrol returned having captured a prisoner and wipe out a troublesome enemy machine gun post.

In mid-April the battalion was placed under command of 4 Canadian Armoured Division for the advance into GERMANY. On the 28th April in the KUSTEN CANAL area when the situation was confused, Lt-Col. TAILYOUR personally organised patrols across the canal. His orders to the patrols were given on information gained by personal reconnaissance along the exposed canal bank carried out during daylight under aimed enemy small arms and mortar fire. The success of the patrols was such that the bridgehead over the canal was established much earlier than would otherwise have been possible. On this and many other occasions during this rapidly moving battle his presence wherever there was heavy fighting, showing complete disregard for his own safety, was an inspiration to all those under him.

This battalion’s success in battle and their high standard of morale and espirit de corps are a direct result of the powers of leadership of Lt-Col. TAILYOUR. At no time did he allow his standard to fall, his spirit or energy to flag; this is manifest in the quality and record of his unit.

Award Military Medal Sgt. Derek James Sharples, 27 Bn Royal Marines

Sgt. SHARPLES is the senior NCO in the Assault Pioneer Platoon of 27 RM. He has invariably performed his duties in a more than exemplary manner. He has directed a large number of difficult mine clearance, with marked skill. By his leadership and unsurpassed example he has encouraged men working under him to complete seemingly impossible tasks in exposed positions, under fire.On the night 9th-10th March 1945, in the HEDIKHUIZEN area, it was necessary to extend the flank of the right company.

To do this an area had to be cleared of anti-personnel mines which was covered by enemy spandau fire. Showing great coolness and unperturbed by the enemy fire he was responsible for the successful completion of his task.Such is Sgt. SHARPLES’ reputation in the unit that he was in constant demand to accompany patrols. On 15th March 1945, he was sent out with a small escort to clear a footbridge and its approaches of mines and booby traps. It was difficult and dangerous task for the bridge was under spasmodic automatic and rifle fire throughout the night. But by dawn the task was completed and the next night he led a fighting patrol over this bridge.Under fire he has at all times set a fine example of coolness, initiative, resource and quiet determination to finish the job on several occasions the successful completion of tasks without loss has been entirely due to the personal efforts of this NCO.

Award Military Medal Sgt. George Douglas Lander, 27 Bn Royal Marines (PO/X 1757)

Since the conversion of 27 RM to the W.E. of a normal infantry battalion in January 1945, Sgt. LANDER has been the Signal Sgt. In the organisation, preparation and training of the signal platoon he has show great keenness and has proved himself to be very efficient. Owing to the late arrival in the unit of a signal officer, the smooth working of communication within the battalion is to a very great extent the result of his efforts and jus credit is due to him for the way in which he has overcome difficulties in the very short time available.

In particular, in April, when 27 RM was placed under command of 4 Canadian Armoured Division, the battalion was constantly on the move, re-adjusting its positions and in contact with the enemy. Communications were maintained at all times, frequently under extreme difficulties and in spite of enemy action. The signal platoon was put to a very severe test, operating under such mobile conditions at such an early stage in the battalion’s life.

Whenever it was possible to run line forward companies SGT LANDER personally supervised the laying of the cable. The maintenance of these cables, under shell and small arms fire, was due largely to his untiring efforts and personal leadership in charge of the line party.

Award Military Medal Sgt. Henry Avery, 27th Bn Royal Marines (EX 1317)

Sgt. AVERY is the mortar platoon sergeant of 27 RM. In the ENGELEN area on 20th March 1945 and in the HEUSDEN area the following night, when under heavy enemy counter-mortar fire, this NCO remained in an exposed position, coolly directing the fire of the mortars until the enemy mortars were silenced.

On 22nd-23rd March he accompanied fighting patrols which crossed the RIVER MAAS in the HEUSDEN area and was able to engage opportunity targets with devastating effect. On the first occasion, when the patrol came under heavy close range automatic fire he put down a very effective smoke screen which enabled the patrol to withdraw from an exposed position.

On the 28th April, his mortars were supporting a fighting patrol operating across the KUSTEN CANAL and Sgt. AVERY was wounded in the shoulder. Despite his wound and the intense enemy mortar and small arms fire, Sgt. AVERY moved his O.P. to a more exposed position because it afforded better observation. If the patrol had lacked the fire support provided by his mortars, it would have had very serious consequences.

By his enthusiasm, courage and resource, Sgt. AVERY has consistently set a remarkably fine example. During periods of intense activity his devotion to duty has been most praiseworthy. By his complete disregard for his own safety and his determination, whatever the circumstances, to achieve good results, Sgt. AVERY has contributed in no small way to the successful efforts of 27 RM.

Award Military Cross Captain Arthur Hambleton, 27th Bn Royal Marines, 116th Infantry Brigade

In March 1945, when it was in action on the HEUSDEN sector, Captain HAMBLETON took over command of ‘B’ Coy 27 RM.

The Coy had suffered severe casualties and its morale was low. Within a short space of time by his infectious enthusiasm, his personal disregard if danger and inspiring leadership, ‘B’ Coy became one of the best fighting coys in the battalion.

On night 23rd-24th March, near HEUSDEN, Captain HAMBLETON personally led his small company reserve under heavy and sustained fire from spandaus, against a fighting patrol of the enemy which had penetrated our forward posts. By this immediate action the enemy patrol was engaged, put to flight and casualties inflicted.

When on the flank of the KUSTEN CANAL Bridgehead on 28th April 1945, he again personally led a fighting patrol, in daylight across the canal. The patrol came under heavy fire in crossing and was engaged on landing by superior numbers. During the close fighting that ensued, Captain HAMBLETON was severely wounded in the head but he refused to be evacuated. Although in great pain, he showed complete disregard of danger.

It was entirely due to his gallant and determined leadership that the objective was reached, casualties inflicted on the enemy and vital information gained. By his inspiring example and leadership he unboundedly turned what might have been a failure, due to the surprisingly heavy enemy fire, into a success.

By his abundant enthusiasm, remarkable leadership and strong sense of duty, he had at all tomes been an inspiration to his men and to all who have in contact with him.

Related Royal Marines 'Dits'

1. Formation of 117th Infantry Brigade Royal Marines

References/ Further Reading

• ww2 Talk - 116 infantry brigade

• War Time Memories Project - L/Cpl Earnest Illingworth