| Name |
Lonsdale, Richard Thomas Henry |
| Description |
A British Army officer who was commissioned into the Royal Leicestershire Regiment in 1936 earning a Military Cross for capturing an enemy position whilst serving in Waziristan. In 1941 he was a founder member of the 151 Parachute Battalion before transferring to become the Commanding Officer of A Company 2nd Parachute Battalion in July 1943. He played a leading role in the actions around Primasole Bridge during the invasion of Sicily for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. As Second in Command of the 11th Parachute Battalion he was dropped as part of Operation Market, wounded and took charge of the remnants of the Airborne Forces in outlying positions at Oosterbeek where he led an inspired defence. He later commanded the 3rd Parachute Battalion. |
| Lived |
Born 27 Dec 1913, Died 23 Nov 1988 |
