Charles Esmond Morrison
Details
| Forename | Charles Esmond |
|---|---|
| Surname | Morrison |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Unit | 3rd Bn, 1st Bn, 2nd Bn |
| Biography | Educated at Magdalen, Oxford. Commissioned into 3rd Bn The Leicestershire Regiment in Sep 1914 and posted to 1st Bn in Feb 1915. In the 1914-18 War he served in France and Belgium and was awarded the M.C. and Mentioned in Despatches. Between the wars he served in India, Palestine and Malaya. From Apr 1929 to Dec 1933 he was ADC to the Governor of Bombay. Rejoing 2nd Bn in Londonderry, in 1937 he was Extra ADC to the Governor-General of Northern Ireland, and he moved with 2nd Bn to Palestine in 1938. In 1939 he was serving in Malaya as Director of Military Training Johore. He assumed CO of 1st Bn in Nov 1941, a fortnight before the Japanese invaded Malaya; from 20 Dec 1941 he commanded The British Battalion, which was formed from the survivors of 1st Leicesters and 2nd East Surreys, and with that unit became a Prisoner of War on the surrender of Singapore on 15 Feb 1942. He was awarded the D.S.O. for his outstanding leadership during the Malayan Campaign (L.G. 13.12.1945). His personal courage and dignified bearing were an inspiration to the men of The British Battalion and others during those terrible three and a half years of captivity. Few who witnessed it will forget seeing him struck in the face again and again by a Japanese NCO and then retrieve his glasses from the mud and walk away unruffled. He was again Mentioned in Despatches (L.G. 12.9.1946). He commanded the British Infantry Contingent on the Victory Parade in London. He served as Commander South Caribbean Area 1946-48, and retired from the Army on 23 Dec 1948. His medals are on display in the Museum. |
| Date of Birth | 17/06/1893 |
| Date of Death | 01/05/1966 |
| Occupation |
