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Jessop, Ian Gray - MC
Rank : Major
Army Number : 68509
Unit : 1/5th Bn, Royal 1st Bn
Biography :
Educated at Oakham School (1932-1935), Ian Jessop was commissioned into the Supplementary Reserve of The Leicestershire Regiment on 22.7.1936, and initially employed in 1st Bn The South Lancashire Regiment. Granted a Regular Commission on 2.9.1939. Served in 1/5th Bn The Leicestershire Regiment in Norway, where as a 2Lt he was taken prisoner and awarded the M.C. for his actions as a platoon commander at Oier, Norway, on 22/23 Apr 1940 (L.G. 11.10.1945). Promoted to Lieutenant 2.1.1941. He was held as a POW at Stalag XXA5 at Thorn, Poland, in Oflag IXA at Schloss Spangenberg in northeastern Hesse, Germany and in Oflag VIIB at Eichstätt, Bavaria, as at 28.2.1943. Promoted Captain on 1.7.1946 and served in The Northern Rhodesia Regiment in Lusaka 1946-48. Served Midland Brigade Training Centre 1949-51. Promoted Major on 2.7.1952. Served 1st R Warwick 1951-53 and with The King's African Rifles 1953-54. Student at Joint Services Staff College in 1955. Commanded B Coy 1st R Leicesters in Cyprus 1955-56. Retired on account of disability on 2.9.1958. In retirement he farmed in Zambia and then became a Civil Servant in South Africa in the Ministry of Agriculture. He died on 10.4.1976.
His MC citation reads "On the evening of April 22nd, 1940, this officer was ordered to build a road block and hold it for 4 hours 2 miles north of OIA. Before the task was completed hi (sic) platoon came under heavy M.G. fire at short range. In spite of casualties, the attack was repulsed, and the position held. At the time ordered for his withdrawal, enemy had penetrated both flanks. Through his coolness, example and fine leadership he succeeded in rejoining the Bn. some 8 hours later."
Some information from Oakham School Archives.
His medals were offered for sale by Noonans of Matfair in February 2023
Date of Birth : 20.6.1918
Place of Birth : Oxfordshire
Date of Death : 10.4.1976
Place of Death : South Africa
Civil Occupation : Civil Servant, South Africa
Period of Service : 1936-48
Conflicts : WW2
Places Served : UK, Norway, Poland, Germany, Zambia, Kenya
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