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Major Richard Thomas Henry Lonsdale
Unit : Headquarters, 11th Parachute Battalion
Army No. : 69129
Awards : Distinguished Service Order and Bar, Military Cross
Dickie Lonsdale had been a founder member of the 151st Battalion, before it was converted to the 156th and transferred to the 4th Para Brigade, when it was established in India in October 1941. Boisterous by nature, his airborne career saw him being moved from one unit to another for "unconventional behaviour". In 1943 Lonsdale was given command of the 2nd Battalion's A Company and led them in Sicily as part of the 1st Para Brigade's assault on Primosole Bridge. Following the invasion he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order:
For most conspicuous gallantry and leadership in action. On the night of the 13th of July 1943 this officer was in command of a Company of the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment, which was dropped on the CATANIA PLAIN in SICILY to secure the high ground South of the River SIMESO. On reaching the objective this officer took over command of the Battalion as the Commanding Officer was injured, and at dawn on the 14th of July 1943 German Parachute Troops launched a heavy counter attack on the Battalion positions. This officer by his example, leadership and complete contempt for danger when under very heavy enemy fire, so skillfully directed the defence of the objective gained and in spite of sustaining heavy casualties, that the position was held and heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy, including the taking and retention of 450 enemy prisoners, until relieved by our own troops.
The following year, upon returning to England with the 1st Airborne Division, he joined the 11th Battalion as Second-in-Command. The Battalion was young and had a trouble history, but in the coming months Lonsdale and his commander, Lt-Colonel George Lea, had made much progress in pulling it into shape.
Flying to Arnhem with the Second Lift on Monday 18th, his C-47 was hit by a flak burst which ripped the fuselage and left two men with leg wounds, and so prevented them from jumping, while Lonsdale himself received a deep cut to his hand. He was forced to seek attention for this when he landed and so was not able to follow the Battalion on their ill-fated advance into Arnhem. As the remains of the 1st, 3rd, 11th, and the 2nd South Staffords Battalions fell back towards Oosterbeek on Tuesday afternoon, Lt-Colonel "Sheriff" Thompson sent Major Lonsdale forward to take control of these units. Collectively they were known as the Lonsdale Force.
Wednesday 20th saw repeated and very savage attacks against the Lonsdale Force in their isolated position in Oosterbeek. They became so badly pressed that Brigadier Hicks gave them permission to withdraw to positions immediately in front of Sheriff Thompson's artillery battery, around the area of Oosterbeek Church. It was in here that Major Lonsdale gave his much famed and rousing speech from the pulpit to the battered paratroopers. By this time Lonsdale bore all the signs of battle as well as any man around him and cut quite a striking figure with a sling around one slightly injured arm, a blood-stained bandage around his head covering three wounds to his face, and a further bandage on his leg. He informed his men; "You know as well as I do there are a lot of bloody Germans coming at us. Well, all we can do is to stay here and hang on in the hope that somebody catches us up. We must fight for our lives and stick together. We've fought the Germans before - in North Africa, Sicily, Italy. They weren't good enough for us then, and they're bloody well not good enough for us now. They're up against the finest soldiers in the world. An hour from now you will take up defensive positions north of the road outside. Make certain you dig in well and that your weapons and ammo are in good order. We are getting short of ammo, so when you shoot you shoot to kill. Good luck to you all". The men entered the church looking beaten, but they left it with a new spirit and determination.
The Lonsdale Force was reorganized to include just the parachute battalions, while Sheriff Thompson assumed command of the 2nd South Staffords and nearby Glider pilots, together with his artillery guns, collectively known as Thompson Force. Though on Thursday 21st, Thompson was wounded and all infantry in the sector were returned to the command of Major Lonsdale.
After the war, Lonsdale liked to imply that his headquarters was in the church at Oosterbeek, which was almost exactly on the front line. However, truth be told, he placed his HQ 300 yards to the north-west, and orders were passed to and from the front by means of a field telephone, provided by signallers of the 3rd Battalion.
Dickie Lonsdale led those under him with inspiration and courage. He continuously moved amongst his men and encouraged them, hobbling as he went, and if ever there was an attack to be lead then he would do the honours. When the Division was withdrawn across the Rhine on Monday 25th, Lonsdale stayed behind until all of his men had disembarked. Weakened by his wounds he struggled to swim against the current, but he eventually made it across safely.
For his conduct during the battle, Major Lonsdale was awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order. His citation reads:
At ARNHEM on the 20th September, this officer, although wounded in the hand and arm, was given command of the remnants of three Parachute Battalions who had withdrawn from the town. This detachment, about 400 strong, was allotted the task of holding part of the divisional perimeter.
Major Lonsdale so organised and inspired those under him that in spite of repeated attacks by enemy infantry, tanks and self-propelled guns, the positions taken up were subsequently held until the remains of the division withdrew over the River LEK. Throughout this period of six days the positions were continually mortared and shelled.
Major Lonsdale, although again wounded, organised several counter attacks to regain ground temporarily lost and his personal example and supreme contempt of danger was an inspiration to all those with whom he came in contact.
In addition, Lonsdale was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and given command of the 3rd Battalion until the following year, thereafter he served in Palestine. Returning to England and settling down in Salisbury, he led what was described as a turbulent life in business and politics.
See also: Lt Heaps, Sergeant Callaghan.