TOD, Ronald John Frederick (Brig)

Known as: 
Ronnie
Rank: 
Brigadier
Unit / Base: 
6 Independent Company
11 Independent Company
9 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Service: 
Army
Number: 
32187
Born: 
Friday, November 3, 1905
Died : 
Saturday, April 5, 1975
Commissioned  into the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders in 1925. Served in No 6 Independent Company and was  Officer Commanding No 11 Independent Company in 1940 and later took command of No 9 Commando in 1942.  Awarded DSO, and later a Bar to the DSO, each for "gallant and distinguished services in Italy " whilst commanding No 9 Commando in 1944.  Promoted Brigadier and Officer Commanding 2 Commando Brigade,  in 1945 he was awarded a CBE for "gallant and distinguished services in Italy."
 

Commando Association Newsletter 61 of 1975.

"We are saddened by the death on 5th April last of Brigadier Ronald John Froderick Tod CBE, DSO & Bar,  Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, a Vice President of the Association and one of the first Commanding Officers of the Independent Companies from which Army Commandos were developed. Lt.Colonel Michael Allen (9 Commando) writes:
 
Ronnie Tod, as he was universally and affectionately known, rose spontaneously during the Second World War to the occasion for which he had been trained as a regular soldier, and throughout his wartime commands of No. 6 Independent Company, No. 9 Commando and ultimately 2nd Commando Brigade, he operated as a talented, intrepid, and adventurous professional.  He instinctively recognised the right job to be done, acknowledged the supreme significance of the men with whom he had to see to the doing of it, and then commanded, cared for, and directed them accordingly. Those men remained under his command with unswerving resolution and loyalty for so long as they were fit and able.
Ronnie Tod was daunted by nothing except concern for his men, and at all times was inspired by an implacable determination that together they would achieve the object of whatever task or exercise was set them. He will happily have joined those whose names are inscribed in the Cornmando Roll of Honour Book which rests in St. George's Chapel, Westminster Abbey and we recall that the final completion of this Book of Remembrance was only made possible by his generosity. We have lost another comrade without the like of whom the Army Commandos would never have gained their place in the history of the British Army".
 
Sources:
CBE: LG Publication date: 18 September 1945; Supplement: 37274; Page: 4669
DSO: LG Publication date: 29 June 1944; Supplement: 36586; Page : 3069
Bar to DSO: LG Publication date: 18 July 1944; Supplement: 36615; Page: 3375
 
Photo of grave in Gallery: 
Yes

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