Arthur E. Green

Lt-Col. G.L. Wood

/ Matthew K Barrett / Leave a comment

Lieutenant-Colonel G.L. Wood
6th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry

The 6th Battalion has built up during the course of this War a very fine reputation, second to none in the British Army. It has taken part in many Battles—it has never failed to gain its objective or in any other task which it has been given. This is a very fine record.

A Battalion is judged by the behaviour and achievements of the men in that Battalion. So it is with us and I would like each one of you to always bear in mind that you have played a great part in making this Battalion what it is …

(G.L. Wood, farewell message, Dec 1944, war diary)

Born on 15 November 1911 in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Northumberland, George Leslie Wood was a timber company representative and Territorial Army officer, commissioned with the Durham Light Infantry since 1933. He mobilized with the 9th Battalion and earned the Military Cross fighting a rearguard action in France in May 1940. He transferred to the 6th Battalion and served in the North African campaign, earning a Military Cross Bar for actions on 21 March 1943.

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Lt-Col. A.E. Green

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Lieutenant-Colonel A.E. Green
6th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry

The dash and vigour displayed in this attack and the excellent information which was being continuously passed back as it progressed was due to the magnificent leadership and control of Lt Col Green, and by his energy and enthusiasm inspired all ranks of his Bn and thus ensured the complete success of the operation.

(D.S.O. citation, 1 March 1945)

Born on 24 December 1908 in Hastings, Sussex, Arthur Ernest Green was a commissioned officer with the Middlesex Regiment since 1929. He was promoted to captain in 1937 and became battalion adjutant two years later. In September 1943, succeeded Lieutenant-Colonel W.I. Watson in command of the 6th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry just as the unit along with the 50th Division was recalled to the United Kingdom.

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