Lieutenant-Colonel C.F. Irvine
5th/7th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders
It was entirely due to Major Irvine’s cool headedness and personal courage which inspired the men to turn the tables completely on the enemy. Had it not been for his quick thinking and magnificent example the column might well have been captured by the enemy
(Chevalier of the Order of Leopold II citation, 8 Dec 1945)
Born on 12 November 1910 in Drumoak, Aberdeenshire, Charles Francis Irvine was educated at Radley College and Exeter College, Oxford University, with a degree in agriculture. In September 1939, He joined the 5th/7th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders as a lieutenant and served in every engagement the unit fought in the North African and North West Europe campaigns. He earned the Military Cross while leading the transport section in the Normandy breakout in mid-August 1944.
World War Graphic History 