https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/
He was awarded his MC for his gallantry on 27th May 40 at Le Bassee, France whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion, Dorsets. At one point they were surrounded by Germans. Chips recalled: " We had two Bren Carriers which were surrounded by Huns in heavily armoured Mark IV tanks. In the end, as soon as it was light, someone knocked off one of their tanks, creating a gap and we all got through the lines."
The citation for his award was rather more informative noting that: Heron volunteered to man the Bren-gun Carriers, which were loaded with ammunition, counter-attacked and broke out through the Germans. It was for this gallant sortie, and for his leadership generally throughout the campaign that Heron, then a Captain, was decorated.

[Photos and information courtesy of Chips' niece Judith Stride, and his son Max heron, posted by Nick Collins]]]> en-us Gallery 2 RSS Module, version 1.1.8 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:30:32 +0100 120 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/d/17344-12/heron.jpg https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/ https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/JGH+Madagascar+1942.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/JGH+Madagascar+1942.jpg.html
[Mentioning Lt John Heron MC, No.5 Commando. Photo courtesy of Max Heron].
In album Major John 'Chips' Heron MC, No.5 Commando]]> Nick Collins photo Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:28:12 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/John+Heron+citation+for+MC+1940.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/John+Heron+citation+for+MC+1940.jpg.html
[Photo courtesy of Max Heron].
In album Major John 'Chips' Heron MC, No.5 Commando]]> Nick Collins photo Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:26:57 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/Newark+Advertiser+13+August+1940.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/Newark+Advertiser+13+August+1940.jpg.html
[Published in the Newark Advertiser 13 August 1940. Photo courtesy of his son Max Heron].
In album Major John 'Chips' Heron MC, No.5 Commando]]> Nick Collins photo Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:30:14 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/John+Heron+-+1944.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/John+Heron+-+1944.jpg.html
[Photo courtesy of his son Max Heron].

Sent to John Heron's local newspaper, The Newark Advertiser, from India Command, 1944.
In album Major John 'Chips' Heron MC, No.5 Commando]]> Nick Collins photo Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:28:43 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/John_Heron_c_1945.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/John_Heron_c_1945.jpg.html
[Photo courtesy of Major Heron's son Max Heron].

With the cap badge of The Dorsets Regt.
In album Major John 'Chips' Heron MC, No.5 Commando]]> Nick Collins photo Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:31:08 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/Chips+Heron_+MC.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/Chips+Heron_+MC.jpg.html
[Photo courtesy of his niece Judith Stride].

Major John Golding 'Chips' Heron, MC, was the much respected and admired OC of 3 Troop, No.5 Commando. Commissioned into the Sherwood Foresters, John Heron then transferred to 4th(TA)Bn Dorsets. In 1939 he transferred into 2nd (Regular) Bn as the only TA officer, being awarded his MC for gallant and distinguished service on 27 May 1940 at Le Bassee. In 1940 he transferred to Army Commandos where he joined No.5 Cdo.
Correction to the newspaper clipping provided by Chips Heron's son, Max Heron, 17 Feb 2011
In album Major John 'Chips' Heron MC, No.5 Commando]]> Nick Collins photo Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:19:38 +0100 https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/Major+John+_Chips_+Heron+MC.jpg.html https://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/5/heron/Major+John+_Chips_+Heron+MC.jpg.html
[Photo courtesy of his niece Judith Stride].

Awarded the MC for gallant and distinguished service on 27th May 40 at Le Bassee, France whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion, Dorsets.
At one point they were surrounded by Germans. Chips recalled: " We had two Bren Carriers which were surrounded by Huns in heavily armoured Mark IV tanks. In the end, as soon as it was light, someone knocked off one of their tanks, creating a gap and we all got through the lines."
The citation for his award was rather more informative noting that: Heron volunteered to man the Bren-gun Carriers, which were loaded with ammunition, counter-attacked and broke out through the Germans. It was for this gallant sortie, and for his leadership generally throughout the campaign that Heron, then a Captain, was decorated.
In album Major John 'Chips' Heron MC, No.5 Commando]]> Nick Collins photo Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:31:50 +0100