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Lieut-Colonel R. Degg D.S.O. |
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Transcript of Distinguished Service Order Citation |
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Brigade |
77 Indian Infantry |
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Division |
3 Indian |
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Unit |
1st Bn The South Staffordshire Regiment |
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Date of Recommendation |
14th July 1944 |
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Regtl. No. |
161995 |
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Rank and Name |
Lieut-Colonel (temporary) Roland DEGG |
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Action for which recommended :- |
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Lieut Colonel DEGG took over command of 1st Bn The South Staffordshire Regiment when his Commanding Officer was killed leading a counter attack at HENU road block. Before the start of the MOGAUNG BATTLE, his battalion had had over 200 Battle Casualties including a high proportion of officers and NCOs. Throughout the MOGAUNG Battle from 31st May to 27th June 44, he led his battalion in a series of successful attacks against Japanese dug-in positions. This included the capture of a 1500 ft mountain and a surprise attack through a marsh waist deep in water. In the final attack on the strongly defended position at NATYIGON on 24th June 44, he led his battalion with such consummate skill in a night attack that three very strong positions were captured. It was mainly due to the most skilful personal leadership drive and energy of this officer that his battalion could continue to attack and defeat the enemy although depleted to 1/3rd of its strength by battle casualties and sickness. Lieut Colonel DEGG has proved himself a most outstanding Battalion Commander and under his leadership never had his battalion failed in attack or lost ground/defence. Due to having lost 15
officers killed and 23 wounded, many of the new reinforcements were
inexperienced and it fell on the Commanding Officer's shoulders the
duty of personally assisting in all attacks a job which entailed
exposing himself in the frontline of the battle. This officer's
proved courage and grit has been a very great inspiration to all
ranks and a source of the greatest embarrassment to the enemy. This
battalion has continually outmatched the Japanese in courage , in
defence, endurance and bravery and this has largely been due to
Lieut-Colonel's DEGG's skill and stubborness. |
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Recommended By |
Brigadier J.M. Calvert DSO Comander 77th Ind Inf Brigade |
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Honour or Reward |
D.S.O. |
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Signed By |
Major General W.D.A. Lentaigne Comd. 3 Ind Div General G. Giffard |
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(London Gazette 26.04.45) |
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