| Surname: | Kaye |
| Initials: | D R B |
| Rank: | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Army Number: | 39928 |
| Notes: | DSO & Bar 10th Hussars. OC Palestine Pro Coy 40. APM 30 Corps Western Desert 41. |
Decoration Record: |
| Decoration: | Mention in Despatches (London Gazette: 35396 Page: 7341 Dec. 30, 1941) |
| Citation: | Middle East Feb-Jan 1941. |
| Decoration: | Distinguished Service Order (London Gazette: 35879 Page: 524 Jan. 28, 1943) |
| Citation: | Middle East. Citation for DSO: Throughout the operations between 23rd Oct and 4th Nov. this Officer commanded his Squadron of Sherman Tanks with such skill and determination that for the loss of only one of his own tanks through enemy action he caused the destruction of the following enemy equipment as a minimum: 60 German Tanks (including 38 burnt out) 30 A/Tk guns (including a number of 88 & 76mm) and 12 lorries. At day break on 24th Oct about 4000yards NE of El Wishka his Squadron was placed in the midst of enemy minefields with little room to manoeuvre, little cover from the ground, and faced with fire of several 88mm A/Tk guns. Major Kaye watched each of the tanks in his Squadron and ordered them to move individually as they were being ranged upon in turn. At the same time he spotted each enemy gun or tank in action against him and by his excellent orders preserved his Squadron intact and gradually destroyed the enemy tanks and A/Tk guns. Major Kaye repeated this type of action on many subsequent occasions and during all the close fighting in enemy minefields continually pressed his Squadron forward in support of our infantry. One notable occasion of this was on the evening of 24th Oct. when he was able to get his Squadron through a recently cleared gap just in time to beat off an enemy tank counter-attack on 1 GORDONS about 4000 yards due North of El Wishka. Major Kaye's determination, control of his Sqn and personal example of cool fearless efficiency were certainly a major factor in effecting a breakthrough of the enemy positions on the front of 1st Armd Division.Maj A D R Wingield MC Commanding 19th Royal Hussars, H R Alexander Gen C in C Middle East Forces. Maj Gen R Briggs Comd 1 Armd Div. Lieut Gen Comd 10 Corps, B L Montgomery Gen Eigth Army. National Archive WO 373/23 |
| Decoration: | Distinguished Service Order (London Gazette: 37386 Page: 6073 Dec. 13, 1945) |
| Citation: | Bar to DSO. Italy. Lt Col KAYE has commanded 10H during the April offensive from LAKE COMMACHIO to the River Po. Throughout this period the regiment has performed very successfully many difficult and hazardous tasks. In particular, during operation "IMACT" they were called upon to support infantry over almost impossible country, and in the face of strong enemy opposition and A tk guns. The tremendous support which was accorded on this occasion greatly assisted in the capture of the Div and Corps objectives, earning the greatest praise and credit from GOC 56 Div, Maj Gen J Y WHITFIELD, DSO, OBE. Throughout all this period Lt Col KAYE by his determination, sound tactical knowledge and true devotion to duty was mainly responsible for his regiment achieving this success. At all times Lt Col KAYE's presence with the leading troops in close contact with the enemy and under heavy fire instilled the maximum confidence in his men, and he was a magnificent example of courage and devotion to duty to all present. Previously, during the period from the GOTHIC LINE up to the assault on R. SENIO, the 10th Hussars have except for a period of ten days, been continuosly in the line. During all this period the regiment, under Lt Col KAYE's command, has carried out invaluable work in close support of many infantry units, whose commanders have all expressed their admiration and praise of this regiment. The first class co-operation, skill and drive shown by Lt Col KAYE has been at all times and inspiration, and these factors are so largely responsible for the many successful actions in which this regiment has taken part.Brigadier Comd 2 Armd Bde. Lieut Gen Commander 5 Corps. Lt Gen McCreery GOC Eighth Army.National Archive WO 373/14. |
