Acting Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Donnell, Commanding Officer 47RM Commando, received a Mention in Despatches on 3 April 1945 for good service while operating with the Army in North West Europe [1][2a].
On 10 April 1945 he was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Vermillion Star by the French [2a].
He was later appointed to the Distinguished Service Order for gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe [2][2a].
Post war member of the Commando Association from Ilmington, Warwickshire [3].
D.S.O. Recommendation
Lieutenant Colonel Donnell fought through the majority of this campaign as second in command 47RM Commando, the unit he now commands. He has throughout shown outstanding qualities of gallantry and leadership. In the assault landings on 6th January 1944 he organised the Unit under when his Commanding Officer was temporarily separated from it.
Later he commanded a detached force in the successful attack on Port En Bessin, which he greatly assisted by his quick reaction in an unexpected emergency. Throughout the summer he was always well to the fore in raids and patrols and performed several acts of gallantry.
In the assault on Walcheren he took command of a troop when its officers had become casualties, and, later, during the night after an enemy counter-attack, continually moved around the forward posts encouraging the men and bringing forward ammunition and rations.
In the words of his late Commanding Officer he was a tower of strength as second in command, his coolness under fire, his imperturbability and his sound common sense have been of inestimable value.
Later, as Commanding Officer, it has not fallen his lot to take part in any major actions, but he has commanded and administered his unit in defensive positions, and by his skilfull planning and direction of patrols and raids, inflicted casualties on the enemy and gained information at minimum cost [2a].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37023, page 1895.
[2] London Gazette 37464, page 909.
[2a] National Archives file WO 373/47/90.
[3] Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 95 (Sept. 1992).