Tom Addington, English captain (d. 2011)

Raymond Thomas Casamajor Addington (27 January 1919 – 28 October 2011) was a distinguished British Army soldier whose gallantry and unwavering commitment during the crucial stages of World War II earned him the prestigious Military Cross. Serving as a Battery Captain with the 13th Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), Royal Horse Artillery (RHA), Addington was specifically cited for his bravery in the Netherlands during the intense campaigns of 1944 and 1945.

Born on 27 January 1919 in Quetta, British India (now part of Pakistan), Raymond Addington's early life was shaped by his family's military heritage. He was the third son of Raymond Anthony Addington, the 6th Viscount Sidmouth (1887–1976), a peer of the realm. His father, a distinguished military officer himself, was serving in the 26th King George's Own Light Cavalry in Waziristan, a region renowned for its challenging terrain and strategic importance on the North-West Frontier, at the time of Raymond’s birth. This early exposure to military life in a key British Indian cantonment fostered a strong sense of duty and service that would define Raymond Addington’s career.

Addington's military career saw him rise to the rank of Battery Captain within the Royal Horse Artillery, a highly mobile and elite branch of the Royal Artillery. As part of the 13th Honourable Artillery Company, a historic volunteer regiment with a lineage tracing back to 1537, he played a vital role in providing crucial artillery support during the final Allied push to liberate occupied Europe. His commendation for the Military Cross specifically highlights his exemplary leadership and courage in the Netherlands between 1944 and 1945. This period was marked by fierce fighting, including critical operations such as the aftermath of Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Scheldt, and the subsequent advance towards and across the Rhine into Germany. The Military Cross, awarded for "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land," underscores the extraordinary bravery he displayed under fire, often providing essential suppressive fire and direct support to advancing infantry and armour in perilous conditions.

Following a dedicated military service, Raymond Thomas Casamajor Addington retired from the British Army in 1949. Transitioning from the battlefield to a peaceful agricultural life, he became a successful cattle farmer. He pursued this new vocation with the same diligence and focus he applied to his military duties, continuing to work until his peaceful passing on 28 October 2011, at the advanced age of 92. His life exemplified a profound commitment to both national service and rural stewardship.

Frequently Asked Questions about Raymond Thomas Casamajor Addington

Who was Raymond Thomas Casamajor Addington?

Raymond Thomas Casamajor Addington (1919–2011) was a decorated British Army soldier, notably a Battery Captain with the 13th Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), Royal Horse Artillery (RHA), who earned the Military Cross for his bravery during World War II.

For what specific actions was Raymond Addington awarded the Military Cross?

He received the Military Cross for exemplary gallantry and courageous actions against the enemy in the Netherlands during the intense campaigns of 1944 and 1945, which were critical phases of the Allied liberation of Western Europe.

Which military units did Raymond Addington serve with during World War II?

During his distinguished service, Raymond Addington served as a Battery Captain with the 13th Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), which is part of the Royal Horse Artillery (RHA).

Where was Raymond Thomas Casamajor Addington born?

He was born on 27 January 1919 in Quetta, British India, a city that is now a significant part of Pakistan and historically served as a major military cantonment.

What did Raymond Addington do after his military retirement?

After retiring from the British Army in 1949, Raymond Thomas Casamajor Addington transitioned to civilian life and became a successful cattle farmer, a profession he continued until his death in 2011 at the age of 92.