Lieutenant Eric Francis Garland MBE, MC *
York and Lancaster Regiment and No.11 Commando 3 troop. When 11 Commando was disbanded he joined the RAF as a Spitfire pilot. Photo © NMS/2012 courtesy of National Museum Scotland
Military Cross: London Gazette Issue 35020 published on the 20 December 1940. Page 26 of 30
War Office, 20th December, 1940. The KING has been pleased to approve of the undermentioned awards in recognition of gallant conduct in action with the enemy: Military Cross: Second Lieutenant Eric Francis Garland
Citation: At Watou on May 28 1940 during a very intense bombing raid showed conspicuous bravery by entering a bombed and burning house while the raid was at its height and carried out 4750206 Private Nicholson to a place of safety. He at once returned and rescued two military policemen who had been wounded, and bound up their wounds. Private Nicholson died shortly afterwards. Heavy bombing was taking place while Second Lieutenant Garland was engaged in this rescue work. The previous day this same officer carried out a reconnaissance under machine gun fire on a motor cycle at Wormhoudt and was able to guide his unit transport on a safe route.[citation from Spink and Sons Auctioneers website on sale of his medals]
Bar to the Military Cross: London Gazette Issue 35316 published on the 17 October 1941. Page 1 of 14.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the undermentioned awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East: — Bar to the Military Cross Lieutenant Eric Francis Garland, M.C.
Citation : Litani River (Syria) 9-10 June 1941. Lieutenant Garland displayed throughout the action cool and clear-headed leadership and complete disregard for his own personal safety. He was the first individual to cross the river and personally led the party which cut out the enemy wire on the far side under heavy fire. On one occasion by deliberately exposing himself he personally drew the fire of a sniper who was causing severe casualties and, on locating the enemy position, Lieutenant Garland manned one of his Bren Guns and shot the sniper. Lieutenant Garland also put out of action a 75 Gun, which was covering the river, by accurate fire from a captured anti Tank Gun." [citation from Spink and Sons Auctioneers website on sale of his medals]
Most Excellent Order of the British Empire - London Gazette Issue 37844 published on the 3 January 1947. Page 1 of 6:
To be Additional Members in the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order - Flight Lieutenant Eric Francis GARLAND, M.C.(47293), Royal Air Force, No. 208 Squadron.
Flight Lieutenant Garland's aircraft was shot down over Frosinone in Italy on 4th May, 1944. He was immediately captured and sent to a hospital at Acre. In spite of his wounds, this officer made three attempts to escape from a hospital at Mantpva in May, 1944. He collected a store of medical materials and retrieved his battledress. Twice he was caught by sentries while climbing through a window. The third time, after sliding down a laundry chute, he was captured while trying to saw through a door. In June, 1944, Flight Lieutenant Garland jumped from a hospital train near Verona. After two days he made contact with some friendly Italians, with whom he stayed for two months In August,1944, he set out with the intention of joining some Italian Partisans. He walked for three days, but owing to a leg injury he was forced to take refuge with another Italian family. In January,1945, Flight Lieutenant Garland left these people, his leg having finally healed, and reached the American lines at Solarolo in the Po Valley. [Citation from the London Gazettes]
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Recent comments
Photo updated
Details of gallantry medals added
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sat 20 Apr 2013 17:41:22 EDT