Lieutenant-Colonel Robert C Elliott TD

Robert Cartmer Elliott was granted a commission in the Territorial Army (Royal Artillery) in 1939 and promoted to Temporary Lt Colonel in August 1943. He served as the Commanding Officer of 1st Airlanding Anti-Tank Regiment, which was formed in March 1945 and disbanded in August 1945.

Prior to this he commanded 108 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA, which was deployed to the European continent in October 1944. The unit undertook various roles during the campaigns in North West Europe in 1944-45 and on several occasions was called upon to act as infantry. He was later awarded a Mention in Despatches and Dutch Bronze Cross for his actions while in charge of the unit from its deployment until April 1945.

Subsequently, when 1st Airlanding Anti-Tank Regiment deployed for the liberation of Norway in Operation Doomsday, Lt Col Elliott was appointed as the Commander of the Kristiansand Sub-Zone and later awarded the King Haakon VII Liberty Cross.

His citation records: ‘Lt Col Elliott commanding 1 ATk Regt RA was among the advance party of British troops to land in Norway on 9 May 1945 and has since rendered outstanding service. As Commander Kristiansand Sub-Zone his leadership, initiative and outstanding ability has been responsible for a faultless administration and organisation of the Zone and has bestowed high distinction on his Command. All Germans evacuated from the Stavanger Zone have passed through his hands and the excellence of the arrangements and the smoothness with which they were carried out was largely due to his organising ability and resource. This officer has not only set a fine example as a Commander, but his tact and untiring efforts have personally contributed materially to the success of the British Mission in the Area.’

After the war he was demobilised from active service with the rank of Honorary Lt Col but continued to serve with the Territorial Army (Royal Artillery) as a Major.

He was awarded the Territorial Efficiency Decoration in 1952 and retired from the TA Reserve of Officers in 1958 having attained the age limit.