No.62560, Brigadier, Richard Norton CARTWRIGHT D.S.O.
Aged 30
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Richard Norton Cartwright was born on 6th December 1913 at 51 The Common, Woolwich (4th qtr 1913 Woolwich 1d:2207) son of Garnier Norman and
Isabel CARTWRIGHT (née MASTERS). His father was Major in the Royal Field Artillery at that time, later to become Brigadier General
Garnier Norton Cartwright, C.M.G., D.S.O.
His father died in 1924 in Ixworth and is buried in Lackford. The Norton/Cartwright family have been connected with Ixworth since the mid 17th century. He was Commanding Officer of the 81st Regt (West African) Reconnaissance Corps and then, from 23rd March 1944, he was Commanding Officer 6th West African Brigade [Burma] and promoted to Acting Brigadier w.e.f.26th Marxh 1944 The London Gazette of 8th February 1945 records Acting Brigadier Richard Norton Cartwright's D.S.O. to be dated from 29th June 1944 The recommendation for his D.S.O is as follows:- On the ARAKAN fron south of MAUNGDAW, Lt.Col CARTWRIGHT has been operating his Regiment on my front and under my command for the past two months, throughout which time the Regiment has continually been in contact with the enemy. Due chiefly to the energy, leadership and fanatical offensive spirit of Lt.Col. CARTWRIGHT, most successful minor opersations have been staged which resulted in much vital information being procured and the destruction of many Japanese. In addition, the enemy has been forced to keep a large proportion of his scanty reserves on the WEST of the MAYU RANGE. This officer personally led many of these minor operations, throughout which his leadership and conduct under fire, which were exemplary and an inspiration to all ranks, are worthy of recognition. In fact, his intense offensive attitude and action during Feb., when the rest of the Corps was placed on the defensive must have deterred any action by the enemy on the southern front Maj.Gen. H.R.BRIGGS Commander 5th Indian Division 10 March 1944 From 26th Mar. to date Brig. Cartwright has proved an outstanding Bde Comdr. His fine leadership, drive and offensive spirit revitalied a demoralised Bde and caused it once more to act offensively with success. P Christison. Lt.Gen. G.O. C in Chief, 14th Army Agust 1944 |
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