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CAPTAIN IAN OSWALD LIDDELL, VC.
Ian Oswald Liddell was born on 19th October 1920 in
Shanghai, where his father was the director of a
family-run business. In September 1939, he enlisted into
the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry as a Private
soldier, and was commissioned into the Coldstream Guards
on 2nd November 1940.
He served with the Coats Mission which was the military
force, of which the Coldstream were part, that was to
protect the Royal Family in the event of an invasion. He
was posted to the 5th Battalion in November 1942, and
was promoted to Captain in February 1943.
The 5th Battalion was one of the infantry battalions in
the Guards Armoured Division which landed in France at
the end of June 1944. He was awarded the Victoria Cross
on 3rd April 1945 for de-fusing German bombs on a bridge
near Lingen in Germany. Captain Liddell was killed by a
sniper on 21st April.
In addition to the VC, he was also awarded the 1939-45
Star, France & Germany Star, and the Defence and War
Medals. His medals were presented on loan to the
Regiment by his family.
EXTRACT FROM THE LONDON GAZETTE
07 June 1945
 Victoria Cross
156048 Lieutenant ( Temporary Captain) Ian Oswald
LIDDELL,
5th Bn Coldstream Guards
In Germany, on 3rd April 1945, Captain Liddell was
commanding a company of the Coldstream Guards, which was
ordered to capture intact a bridge over the River Ems
near Lingen. The bridge was covered on the far bank by
an enemy strong point, which subsequently discovered to
consist of 150 entrenched infantry supported by three
88mm and two 20mm guns. The bridge was also prepared for
demolition with 500lb bombs, which could plainly be
seen.
Having directed his two leading platoons onto the near
bank, Captain Liddell ran forward
alone to the bridge and scaled the 10 feet high road
block guarding it, with the intention of neutralising
the charges and taking the bridge intact. In order to
achieve his object he had to cross the whole length of
the bridge by himself under intense enemy fire, which
increased as his object became apparent to the Germans.
Having disconnected the charges on the far side, he
re-crossed the bridge and cut the wires on the near
side. It was necessary for him to kneel, forming an easy
target, whilst he successively cut the wires.
He then discovered that there were also
charges underneath the bridge and completely undeterred
he also disconnected these. His task completed he then
climbed up on to the road-block in full view of the
enemy and signalled his leading platoon to advance.
Thus alone and unprotected, without cover, and under
heavy enemy fire, he achieved his object. The bridge was
captured intact and the way cleared for the advance
across the River Ems. His outstanding gallantry and his
superb example of courage will never be forgotten by
those who saw it.
This very brave officer has since died of wounds
subsequently received in action.
His medal(s)
is on display at Regimental Headquarters.
RELATED IMAGES/INFORMATION
More information on Liddell can be found below:
Wikipedia External Link
External Source of Information
Image
Peter Wright, with painting of Captain Liddell's action,
which led to the award of V.C to Captain Liddell. Action
dated 3rd April 1945 Germany (Bridge over the river Ems
near Lingen).
Painting commissioned May 1989 by the Coldstream Guards.
MEDAL
ENTITLEMENT OF:
Captain Ian Oswald LIDDELL (Coldstream Guards)
Victoria Cross
1939 - 45 Star
France & Germany Star
Defence Medal ( 1939-45 )
War Medal ( 1939-45 ) |
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