France – Croix de guerre
The Croix de guerre (English: War Cross) was created to recognize French and allied soldiers who were cited for their service during World War I, similar to the British mentioned in dispatches. Soon after the outbreak of World War I, French military officials felt that a new military award had to be created. At that time, the Citation du jour (“Daily Service Citation”) already existed to acknowledge soldiers, but it was just a sheet of paper. There are three distinct Croix de Guerre medals in the French system of honours: Croix de guerre 1914–1918, Croix de guerre 1939–1945 and Croix de guerre des théâtres d’opérations extérieures (for wars other than World War I and World War II not fought on French soil). There are are also additional levels within each of the three: a bronze star for citation in the Order of the Regiment or Brigade; a silver star for citation in the Order of the Division; a vermeil star for citation to the Order of the Army Corps and a bronze palm for citation to the Order of the Army. A silver palm replaces 5 bronze palms.
Major Frederick Thomas Coghlan DSO
Colonel Charles Stuart Craig DSO MC
Lieutenant-Colonel William Wasbrough Foster DSO
Lieutenant Edward Merritt Slader
Colonel Edward Cecil Scott ED CD
Lieutenant-General Guy Granville Simonds CC CB CBE DSO CD
Lieutenant Archibald Eric James Sudbury
1. This officer was employed from 7 Jun 44 as Courier officer for Cdn Sec GHQ 2 Ech 21 A Gp.
2. During June, July & August 1944, his duties included:
(i) Liason between Adv Rft Control Officers of 2 Ech and the HQ of Adv Sec, Cdn 2 Ech in the theatre.
(ii) Carrying of despatches between Adv Rft Control officers and Adv Sec.
(iii) Carrying of despatches for 2 Ech and CMHQ to Naval Despatch Boat.
(iv) Conveying of verbal messages to various Staff Officers at Fmn HQs.
3. From 8 Jul to about 16 Jul during the period of the attack and fighting around CAEN, it was this officer’s daily duty to carry despatches over a stretch of territory which was under direct enemy observation and fire. This involved travelling by motor cycle or jeep over an exposed road constandly under fire, and offering no possibility whatever of obtaining cover. He set out on his run each time, knowing that this road had to be traversed but showed no hesitancy in this task and always got his despatch through.
4. In addition, during the whole of the fighting round CARPEQUET, CAEN and the FALAISE GAP, his duties continuously took him through dangerous spots in which it was impossible for him to take measures to obtain cover or protection. His duties were always carried out cheerfully and with no regard for his personal safety, and he was always willing to assume additional tasks of the same nature, over and above his normal duties.
