Lot Essay
INDENTD.S.O. London Gazette 28.6.1945. Lieutenant Colonel (Temporary) Royal Regiment of Artillery "For gallant and distinguished services in Italy'; the reccommendation states:
"During the whole of the operations by 5 Corps in forcing the Gothic Line (1 Sep-31 Dec 44) Col Bannerman has shown an exemplary devotion to duty. His regiment has been in support of the 4, 46, 56, and 1 Armd Divs. His guns have frequently been deployed in front of all others and his dash and enthusiasm in reconnoitring areas for their deployment and OPs, which recces were often carried out under shell fire, have ensured the support of his regiment whenever required. On 2 Sep this regiment was deployed only 3,000 yards from Saludecio. This place, reported clear, was in fact found to contain many enemy.
The quick and accurate fire, personally directed by Col Bannerman, largely assisted in the capture. Again on 13 Sep in the Attack for the Passano-San Savino ridge, 70 Med Regt was in close support. One of the FOOs was killed, but Col Bannerman from his OP in S. Clemente although under continued shell fire was able to ensure the continuous support and definitely contributed to the success of this operation.
In the recce for gun areas in the Cesena area, also on the Ronco and near Faenza, Col Bannerman showed the same disregard for his personal safety.
Previously, during July, when under 13 Corps, this regiment was in support NZ Division. The support given by this regiment during the fight for San Michele was continuous, accurate and very effective. This was wholly due to Col Bannerman's enthusiasm and energy and in my opinion Col Bannerman's conduct and personal courage throughout has been exemplary."
Lieutenant Colonel James Macleod Bannerman D.S.O. (1907-76), entered the Royal Artillery as a Second Lieutenant 1928; Lieutenant 1931; Captain 1938; Major 1945; Lieutenant Colonel 1950;
Lieutenant Colonel Bannerman retired 1955, and died in 1976
"During the whole of the operations by 5 Corps in forcing the Gothic Line (1 Sep-31 Dec 44) Col Bannerman has shown an exemplary devotion to duty. His regiment has been in support of the 4, 46, 56, and 1 Armd Divs. His guns have frequently been deployed in front of all others and his dash and enthusiasm in reconnoitring areas for their deployment and OPs, which recces were often carried out under shell fire, have ensured the support of his regiment whenever required. On 2 Sep this regiment was deployed only 3,000 yards from Saludecio. This place, reported clear, was in fact found to contain many enemy.
The quick and accurate fire, personally directed by Col Bannerman, largely assisted in the capture. Again on 13 Sep in the Attack for the Passano-San Savino ridge, 70 Med Regt was in close support. One of the FOOs was killed, but Col Bannerman from his OP in S. Clemente although under continued shell fire was able to ensure the continuous support and definitely contributed to the success of this operation.
In the recce for gun areas in the Cesena area, also on the Ronco and near Faenza, Col Bannerman showed the same disregard for his personal safety.
Previously, during July, when under 13 Corps, this regiment was in support NZ Division. The support given by this regiment during the fight for San Michele was continuous, accurate and very effective. This was wholly due to Col Bannerman's enthusiasm and energy and in my opinion Col Bannerman's conduct and personal courage throughout has been exemplary."
Lieutenant Colonel James Macleod Bannerman D.S.O. (1907-76), entered the Royal Artillery as a Second Lieutenant 1928; Lieutenant 1931; Captain 1938; Major 1945; Lieutenant Colonel 1950;
Lieutenant Colonel Bannerman retired 1955, and died in 1976