Lieutenant-Colonel G.G. Elliott
2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment

During his term of comd, the bn, in common with all other units, suffered heavy casualties. Its record can, however, bear comparison with any other during this period and throughout, the morale and fighting spirit of the men remained at a very high level despite constantly changing personnel within the Bn. For this, Lt Col Elliott mst be give almost sole credit for by his personal example in battle, by his tireless solving of all the problems presented to him, and by his faultless leadership, he ensured the success of all the operations in which his bn took part.

(D.S.O. citation, 24 Jan 1946)

Born on 21 November 1909 in Eastbourne, Sussex, Geoffrey Grahame Elliott was a commissioned officer in the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment since 1931. He was recognized for distinguished service as a brigade major in the Battle of France. He afterward worked on the War Office planning staff. By April 1944, he had been posted to the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment as second-in-command. Two months later, the battalion landed in Normandy with the 56th Independent Infantry Brigade.

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