Major General Michael Forrester - Citations

Major General Michael Forrester - Citations

Military Cross (MC)

Rank:

Second-Lieutenant

Unit:

2nd Battalion Queen's Royal Regiment, Palestine Command, British Army

Awarded on:

14 July, 1939

Citation:

"During the attack on ABU SALAMI on 23 May, 1939, Second Lieutenant FORRESTER led his platoon with the greatest gallantry. He was wounded in the chest but continued to command his platoon until brought to the dressing station at Battalion Headquarters sometime later by the Medical Officer.

Even then when firing commenced round Battalion Headquarters, he ran out of the dressing station seized a rifle and wanted to lead out a party of men from Battalion Headquarters until I gave him a direct order to go and lie down.

This is not the first occasion on which Second Lieutenant FORRESTER has distinguished himself. In every operation he has been conspicuous for his leadership, coolness and disregard of personal safety."

 

Military Cross (MC)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

GSO3, Headquarters, Force HQ Greece (W Force), British Army

Awarded on:

30 December, 1941

Citation:

"Throughout difficult periods, both during the withdrawal from Greece and during the defence of Crete, this officer continually gave proof of the highest sense of loyalty and devotion to duty. Finally, on May 20th, when the German attack on Crete had started, he was ordered to report to Headquarters New Zealand Division and to watch the interests of the Greek Battalions under command of that Division. During the next few days, when the situation became difficult, on his own initiative, he went forward and rallied the remnants of a Greek battalion. He then organized a counterattack and, mainly by his personal example and disregard for danger, he carried forward the Greek troops with him, drove back the enemy, and momentarily restored a difficult situation."

Second MC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first MC.

 

Mentioned in Dispatches

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

Headquarters, 132nd Infantry Brigade, 44th (Home Counties) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

15 December, 1942

 

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

1/6 Battalion Queen's Royal Regiment, 131st Infantry Brigade, 7th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

13 January, 1944

Recommendation:

"The 1/6 Bn. Queen's Royal Regiment commanded by Lt-Col. M. FORRESTER, M.O. passed through the VIETRI PASS and moved on via SCAFATI - S. GIUSEPPE to VESUVIANO.

Lt-Col. Forrester led his Battalion with quite exceptional dash and determination, and most skilfully. As a result, the bridge at SCAFATI was secured intact, and determined counter attacks were beaten off during the first night.

The following day the village was cleared of enemy and further progress made. Finally, on 30 Sep. and 1 Oct.42 really rapid progress was made against great difficulties of country and demolitions and very determined opposition.

At all times Col.FORRESTER was to the front.

Directing, encouraging, and by his personal endeavours making success assured. I, personally, have not seen a better run battle, or one which was so influenced by the personality of one man."

 

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

 

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

1/6 Battalion Queen's Royal Regiment, 131st Infantry Brigade, 7th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

31 August, 1944

Citation:

"At Briquessard on 16th and 17 June 1944 1/6 Bn Queen's Royal Regiment commanded by LT-COL FORRESTER was subjected to two very heavy attacks by Panzer-Grenadiers. Throughout these engagements COL FORRESTER displayed outstanding courage and coolness, and at no time, was he at a loss in dealing with very difficult situations that arose.

At one critical period the Bn HQ was in great danger of being over-run, and the enemy actually penetrated the area. Despite the confusion caused by this under small arms fire COL. FORRESTER calmly proceeded to withdraw his HQ without loss, continually moving out amongst the men, and never for a moment losing his control of the main battle.

Shortly afterwards, when the situation had been restored, the HQ returned to its original area.

Throughout the entire engagement, although extremely tired, COL FORRESTER's conduct was an inspiration to his men, and there is no doubt that it was largely due to his extra-ordinary courage and cool judgement that those strong situations were beaten off, and heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy."

Second DSO awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DSO.

 

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Rank:

Temporary Colonel

Unit:

3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment

Awarded on:

11 June, 1960

UK and Norway

January 1959-December 1959

Lately Co-ordinating officer for Infantry Battalion aspects of the Infantry Brigade Group Mobility Trials, and Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment

 

Citation:

"During 1959 Lieutenant Colonel FORRESTER, in addition to the normal and arduous duties of commanding his Parachute Battalion, was given the task of coordinating the Infantry Battalion aspects of the Infantry Brigade Group Mobility Trials for the three Battalions of the Brigade, one of which was Battalion of the Brigade if Guards.

 

This involved a considerable volume of work over the year beyond that required in the normal course of duty and by his tact, ability and powers of organization, he welded the three battalion's views, which were quite often in conflict, into a sound organization. His report was most detailed and clearly set out and included a rewrite of the complete G 1098 scales of an Infantry Battalion.

 

In spite of his heavy commitment, he has maintained a very highly trained and administered Parachute Battalion which in every respect is at a high state of readiness for war. Neither of these requirements could have been met if had not been for his outstanding ability and devotion to duty."

 

 Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

 

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Brigadier

Unit:

16th Parachute Brigade Group

Awarded on:

8 June, 1963

Citation:

"Brigadier FORRESTER has commanded the 16th Parachute Brigade Group with great success since the 21 December 1961.

He is a dedicated professional officer, who sets a fine example of the highest personal and military standards.

His task, in command of 16th Parachute Brigade Group, entails work and responsibilities far greater than are normally required of a Brigadier. It includes the operational planning for many eventualities world-wide, the organization of major training exercises both in the United Kingdom and overseas, the maintenance of his spearhead Brigade in the highest state of training and readiness at all times, and the closest co-operation with the Royal Air Force in all these activities.

He has carried out all these duties with success. His Brigade Group has achieved a high degree of operational efficiency. His direction of training has been forceful, progressive, and imaginative. His requirement of the highest standards of administrative efficiency is reflected throughout the Brigade Group. His leadership has imbued the troops with as excellent morals.

This officer's devotion to duty, personal example and acceptance of unusual responsibilities thoroughly deserve recognition."

 

Companion of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB)

Rank:

Major-General

Unit:

The Queen's Division of Infantry

Awarded on:

1 January, 1969