POLLITT, Charles Jordan Bellingham
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit / Base:
10 Independent Company
1 Commando
5 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Border Regiment
Service:
Army
Number:
37725
Honours & Awards:
Born:
Friday, April 5, 1907
Birthplace:
Kendal
Died:
1975
Place died:
Kendal
Operations:
Charles Pollitt, then a Captain, embarked with No 10 Independent Company on their deployment to Freetown in April 1940. At the end of the year after No 10 Independent Company was disbanded he volunteered for and was posted to the Holding and Training Wing at what was then STC Achnacarry. [1]. From there he joined No 1 Commando taking part in Operation Torch, North Africa, and in December 1942 Operation Bizerte where they landed on a beach some 60 miles East of Tabarka. [2]. Awarded the Military Cross "for gallant and distinguished services in North Africa"[3], he later embarked with No 1 Commando for operations in the Far East.
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11 September 1944, the then Major Pollitt MC left No 1 Commando to take command of No 5 Commando from Lieutenant Colonel Shaw [view].
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Major Pollitt was subsequently temporarily promoted Lieutenant Colonel.
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31 January 1945 wounded in the knee during the last engagement at the Battle for Hill 170 [view] and relinquished command of No 5 to the 2i/c Major Robin Stuart. [4].
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10 January 1946 publication of Mention in Despatches for "gallant and distinguished service in the Field." [5].
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June 1946 appointed O.B.E. (Military Division). [6].
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7 March 1947 relinquished his commission on the grounds of disability and was granted the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel. [7].
Sources
3. London Gazette 36018, page 2208.
5. London Gazette 37425, page 380.
6. London Gazette 37595, page 2730.
7. London Gazette 37899, page 1115.
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 62 issued March 1976.
[Image] His daughter, Jenny Welsh.
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
Archive pages :