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DANBY, Ernest Deighton, Major (Acting Lieutenant-Colonel) - Distinguished
Service Order - Infantry (Carleton and York Regiment) - awarded as per
Canada Gazette dated
30 September 1944
and CARO/4986 dated
14 October 1944
. "In recognition of gallant and
distinguished services in
Italy
." He began the war with the Seaforth
Highlanders of Canada. Became General Staff Officer Grade II at
Headquarters, 1 Canadian Division. Second-in-Command, Carleton and
York
Regiment in August 1943. Temporary
Commanding Officer, The Carleton and York Regiment, December 1943 and
permanent Commanding Officer from 18 April to
18 September 1944
. See pages 228 to 236 of Invicta - The
Carleton and York Regiment in the Second World War.
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Awarded Officer - Order of the
British Empire (OBE) as per Canada Gazette of
14 June 1952
for service in
Korea
. Recommendation for DSO endorsed by
Brigadier P.J.E. Bernatchez, Officer Commanding, 3 Canadian Infantry
Brigade on 28 May 1944 and passed forward on 31 May 1944; endorsed by
Major-General Chris Vokes, General Officer Commanding, 1 Canadian Infantry
Division on 1 June 1944 and passed forward on 11 June 1944; endorsed by
Lieutenant-General E.L.M. Burns, General Officer Commanding, 1 Canadian
Corps; endorsed by Lieutenant-General O.W.L. Leese, General Officer
Commanding, Eighth Army on 31 July 1944 and passed forward on 8 August
1944; approved by General H.R. Alexander, General Officer
Commanding-in-Chief, Allied Central Mediterranean Force on 9 August 1944
and passed for action on 2 October 1944.
On 23 May 1944, the Carleton and York Regiment commanded by Acting
Lieutenant-Colonel Ernest Deighton Danby was assigned the task of
breaching the Adolf Hitler Line in the area Map Reference 736186
(Reference Map 1:100,000 Italy Sheet 160 Cassino). Although supported in
its attack by heavy barrages, the Regiment was subjected to intense and
well directed mortar, artillery and small arms fire. Acting
Lieutenant-Colonel Danby positioned himself well forward with his leading
troops and by his personal efforts, determination and complete disregard
for his own safety succeeded in moving his men forward close behind the
barrage.
When
the tanks supporting the advance of the Carleton and York Regiment were
counter-attacked by a number of German tanks, some of the infantry were
able to by-pass this tank combat and push forward to their objective.
Although it was necessary for him to pass through the tank battle,
to do so, Acting Lieutenant-Colonel Danby, displaying a calm bravery, went
forward, and reached the objective in time to direct the consolidation of
these troops.
Throughout the entire operation although stalked by snipers and
under continuous mortar fire, Acting Lieutenant-Colonel Danby led his unit
with the utmost gallantry and dash.
His personal example steadied and encouraged his men and contributed
greatly to the success of their attack.
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DANBY,
Ernest Deighton, Lieutenant-Colonel, DSO - Mention
in Despatches - Infantry (Carleton and York Regiment) - awarded as
per Canada Gazette dated
9 March 1946
and CARO/6431 dated
8 March 1946
.
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