Lieutenant ALEC GEORGE HORWOOD

The citation in the London Gazette of 30th March, 1944, gives the following details: At Kyauchaw, in Burma, on 18th January, 1944, Lieutenant Horwood with his forward mortar observation post accompanied the forward company of the Northamptonshire Regt. into action against a Japanese defended locality. Throughout that day he lay in an exposed position under intense fire and effectively shot his own mortars and those of a half-troop of another unit, returning at night with valuable information about the enemy. The following day he moved forward with another company, and from an observasion post which he established on a precipitous ridge, directed accurate mortar fire in support of two attacks. He also deliberately drew enemy fire upon himself, so that the fresh company he was with could see the Japanese positions. That night he remained on the ridge, and on the morning of 20th January again directed mortar fire in support of an attack. In the afternoon, while leading another attack, he was mortally wounded at point-blank range. Lieutenant Horwood set the highest example of bravery and devotion to duty, to which all ranks responded magnificently. His cool calculated actions during these three days, coupled with his bravery, very largely contributed to the ultimate success of the operation and the capture on 24th January of the Japanese position.