THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

BURROWS James Thomas

7146, Lieutenant Colonel, 20 Battalion, New Zealand Infantry, WW2

CITATION

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) military

Gazetted 30 December 1958, Supp 41591, p41

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 24 November 1942, Supp 35799, p5141

At Minqar Qaim on the night of Jun 17/18 (1942) Lt Col JT Burrows commanded the (4th) Brigade which was ordered to make a breach in the enemy line by a bayonet attack.  He carried out this difficult operation with skill and coolness, his personal example of courage and determination being an inspiration to all ranks.  At Reweisat Ridge on July 14/15 he again commanded the brigade in a night attack and when the leading units had become scattered, he showed fine decision and resolution in carrying the reserve battalion through to the objective.  During the following day he showed high courage and devotion in holding the ground gained under very high fire and against several attacks being personally on the ridge throughout and setting an example to all

Bar to the Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 8 May 1945, Supp 37072, p2454

Brigadier Borrows commanded 6th NZ Infantry Brigade during the operations south of Arezzo and Florence.  In the attack on Lignano, a key position holding up the advance on Arezzo, he showed outstanding devotion to duty and leadership.  His drive, skilful disposition of troops and cheerful example to his unit commanders greatly contributed towards the success of the operation.  During the difficult fighting around Cerbaia and San Michele, Brig Burrows again showed great determination and was at all times an inspiration to those under him.  His leadership enabled the brigade to beat off consistent enemy counter attacks, the repelling of which forced the enemy to withdraw from key positions.  At all times during these operations Brigadier Burrows has rendered distinguished and gallant service

Mention in Despatches

Gazetted

KNOWN AWARDS

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

Distinguished Service Order and bar

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

       8th Army

Italy Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-345

       Mention in Despatches

New Zealand War Service Medal

Queen's Korea Medal

UN Medal

       Korea

Coronation Medal 1953

Efficiency Decoration and 2 bars

Order of Valour (Greece)

NOTES

Born 14 July 1904, Christchurch, New Zealand

Died 10 June 1991, Christchurch, New Zealand