Pictures
|
Pictures
|
Lieutenant Roderick Percy Pearson
Unit : Headquarters, 1st Airlanding Light Regiment
Army No. : 245568
Awards : Member of the British Empire
As Survey Officer, Lieutenant Pearson found himself without a meaningful role to perform at Arnhem, and so he carried out a variety of tasks wherever the opportunity presented itself. He helped to establish an Observation Post in the spire of Oosterbeek Church, and from here was able to direct fire from the guns of the 64th Medium Regiment, based near Nijmegen. He also acted as Gun Position Officer with "B" Troop, and helped care for the wounded in the Regimental Aid Post. Pearson was wounded later in the battle whilst in the vicinity of "F" Troop. In late 1945 he was made a Member of the British Empire:
This officer has been in the Regiment for 2½ years and has served with distinction in the Italy and Arnhem campaigns. He was recommended for an immediate decoration after Arnhem which was not awarded. In both theatres he showed great coolness, cheerfulness and set a fine example in leadership, skill and courage.
He is one of the few people who have survived a parachute drop (not in action) when the parachute failed to open: and further, this accident has not in any way shaken his nerve or diminished his enterprise or keenness.
Since Arnhem he has maintained a high standard of work and of discipline.