YOUNG, George Alan Dawson

Rank: 
Temporary Lieutenant Colonel
Unit / Base: 
52ME Commando
50ME Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Engineers
Service: 
Army
Number: 
23734
P.O.W. number: 
3701
Born: 
Wednesday, December 3, 1902
Died : 
Thursday, December 9, 1993
Place died: 
Surrey
Lieutenant Colonel George Alan Dawson Young R.E., was the Commanding Officer of 50 Middle East Commando until November 1940 when he assumed  command of 52 Middle East Commando after its former commanding officer, Harry Fox-Davies, was taken ill.
Lieutenant Colonel Young was captured and became a prisoner of war in June 1941 during operations in Crete where his Commando had been operating as 'D' Battalion of Layforce.
Distinguished Service Order
"In Crete Lt. Col. Young commanded his Battalion during period 26-31 May in a manner which reflected the highest traditions of the British Army. His powers of leadership, sound military knowledge, tactical sense, and complete disregard of danger, coupled with the training to which he had previously subjected his troops enabled 'D' Battalion to fight a successful rearguard action against considerably superior forces in circumstances which appeared at times to be untenable. Although almost completely surrounded on one occasion the withdrawal of 'D' Battalion was carried out in complete order to a timed programme."
Mentioned in Despatches
"Following his capture in Crete in 1941 Lt. Col. Young RE was Senior British Officer at Salonika. He retained this office during his stay of three months at Oflag XC (Lubeck). After his transfer to Oflaf IVC (Colditz) in October 1941 he became chairman of the escape committee, and a successful escaper has paid tribute to the assistance he received from Lt. Col. Young. From August 1943 to the collapse of Germany Lt. Col. Young turned his attention to security and the organisation of secret communication with the War Office."
Commando Association Obituary

"Our deep regret is recorded at the passing away recently of Colonel George Alan Dawson Young, D.S.O. who, although he was unable to accept the office of President, was known to greatly cherish his Vice-Presidency, representing as he did so ably the men of the 50th and 52nd Middle East Commando units whom he was honoured to command. Although due to health reasons he was unable to take an active part in Association activities, he was, nevertheless, extremely interested at all times in our news and progress. We deeply mourn his passing."

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/2, 4 and 9.
Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/1.
Award Recommentaion (DSO) / National Archives file WO373/98/66.
DSO - London Gazette 37284, page 4781.
Award Recommendation (MiD) / National Archives file WO373/100/545.
MiD - London Gazette 37396, page 6188.
Obituary in Commando Association newsletter 98 (March 1994).
The Middle East Commandos, author Charles Messenger (with Lt Col. G.A.D. Young DSO., and Lt Col. S.M. Rose, OBE.).
 
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