Major Reginald John Howard DSO

Major Reginald John Howard DSO, better know as Major John Howard, enlisted into The King's Shor[shire Light Infantry 15 August 1931. He then transferred to Section B Army Reserve 2 February 1938.

In November 1940 he was promoted from Warrant Officer A/RASM and given an Emergency Commission as 2LT, with The Ox and Bucks Light Inf. Until January 1942 he served with No.16 ITC. After this he served with The 2nd Bn Ox and Bucks. He was promoted to W/S Captain (T/ Major 13 August 1942 and took command of D Coy.

Not long after midnight 6 June 1944, with this unit he famously lead the 'Coup de Main' assault on the Orne river and canal bridges. Now known as The Pegasus and Horsa bridges. He continued to see action in Normandy until 4 September 1944, when he returned to the UK. He received serious injuries to both legs as a result of a vehicle accident and was invalided out of the Army on 7 January 1946. He relinquished Emergency Commission 31 December 1957 and was granted honorary rank of Major. 

John entered the Civil Service in December 1945, retiring after 29 years service. His final appointment was Divisional Executive Officer for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly for The Ministry of Agriculture.

He was awarded a DSO (London Gazette  31 August 1944). He was presented this award, in the field, by Gen. Montgomery. John also received the French Croix de Guerre avec Palme at the 10th Anniversary og The Pegasus Bridge operation in June 1954. Although this award was not mentioned in his official MOD records.