#2382, Conolly Robert McCAUSLAND

The citation for the award of his Military Cross in 1940 read:

Capt. McCausland commanded No. 1 Company during the Boulogne operations. His company was attacked twice during the afternoon and evening of Wednesday May 22nd and continuously during the following day, during which very heavy casualties were suffered.

Throughout the final moves Capt. McCausland set the finest example to his men, and after the initial withdrawal of what remained of his company on the morning of May 23rd he took personal command of a most important post in the village of Outreau, and, despite repeated attacks and efforts to outflank them they held their ground for nearly two hours. The spirit and courage which animated those in the post was due in a large measure to the example set by Capt. McCausland, who, ignoring all danger himself, refused to allow his men to become in any way depressed by the heavy casualties they had suffered earlier in the day.

Later, despite being in close contact with the enemy, Capt. McCausland was able, by skilful handling, to extricate his men without loss when the moment came to make a further withdrawal. This officer showed courage and ability of very high order throughout the operations.