Thomas Brodie

Memorial Floor Tile
Major General (34236) Thomas Brodie CB. CBE. DSO.
The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment. Colonel of the Regiment 1955 – 1961.
Born 20 October 1903 to Thomas and Nellie Brodie nee Forster. 1911 with his widowed mother and sibling at Falstone Northumberland
Died 1 September 1993 at Sutton Manor Nursing Home, Sutton Scotney

Supplement to London Gazette dated 18 July 1947 Page 3326
Cheshire Regiment. Maj. (War Subs. Lt.-Col.) T. BRODIE (34236) to be Lt.-Col., i6th May 1947.
London Gazette dated 7 September 1951 Page 4714.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and
distinguished services in Korea during the period 1st January to 30th June, 1951: —
The Distinguished Service Order.
Brigadier (temporary) Thomas BRODIE, C.B.E.(34236), late Infantry

London Gazette dated 5 September 1952. Page 4765
COMMANDS & STAFF.
Col. (temp. Brig.) T. BRODIE, C.B.E., D.S.O. (34236), late Inf., is granted the local rank of Maj.-
Gen., 25th July '1952. Col. (temp. Brig.) local Maj.-Gen. T. BRODIE, C.B.E., D.S.O. (34236), late Inf., is appointed General Officer Commanding 1st Infantry Division, and is granted the temp, rank of Maj.- Gen., 26th July 1952

Supplement to London Gazette dated 27 October 1953
The QUEEN has been pleased to grant unrestricted permission for the wearing of the following decorations which have been conferred on the undermentioned personnel in recognition of gallant and distinguished services during the operations by the
United Nations in Korea:—
DECORATIONS CONFERRED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Legion of Merit, 'Degree of Officer. (In substitution for Silver Star Medal already approved.)
Major-General Thomas BRODIE, C.BJE., D.S.O. (34236), late 'Infantry.

Supplement to London Gazette dated 10 January 1956 page 208
Cheshire Regiment
REGULAR ARMY. Maj.-Gen. Thomas BRODIE, C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O. (34236), late Infantry appointed Col., 26th Dec.1955, vice Lt.-Gen. Arthur Ernest PERCIVAL, C.B., D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C. (8785), tenure expired.

London Gazette dated 1 January 1957 Page 77
REGULAR ARMY.
Maj.-Gen. T. BRODIE, C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O. (34236), late Inf., retires on retired pay, 1st Jan. 1957. (Reserve Liability.)

The following extracts are taken from documents down loaded from the National Archives.

The National Archives' reference WO 373/114/106
D.S.O. Recommendation. L.G. 7.9.51
Copy. page 610
Citation for Brigadier T BRODIE. CBE Command 29th British Brigade.
During the first phase of the Chinese Communist offensive 22nd-25th April 1951, Brigadier E Brodie, Command 29th Brigade, attached to the 3rd Infantry Division, demonstrated conspicuous courage, gallantry and tenacious leadership in the face of an overwhelming enemy force. On the night of 22nd-23rd April, the main effort of the enemy offensive was directed against a vital sector of the United Nations front along the Imjim River, which was in part by the 29th Brigade. Brigadier Brodie was an inspiration to both officers and enlisted men by personal visits to the front during critical periods of fighting. During these visits his words of encouragement steadied his troops and encouraged them to resist a numerically superior enemy with the utmost vigor and to inflict very heavy casualties.
On 25th April 1951, when the weight of the enemy numbers enabled them to make breaches in his positions, he was ordered to execute the difficult manoeuvre of withdrawing while in contact and in part surrounded. This was achieved with a large measure of success due to the concise and simple orders which he issued and the confidence he inspired in his subordinate commanders by the coolness of his behavior. Having issued his orders for withdrawal, his own command post then came under small arms fire. Without regard for his personal safety, he maintained his headquarters in what had become a forward area and did not withdraw himself until the last of his infantry troops had commenced withdrawal from positions which they had so tenaciously held. The sight of their commanders standing in their midst exposed to the fire of the enemy was instrumental in maintaining their morale and steadiness after a most strenuous battle extending over four days and three sleepless nights.
The devotion to duty, courage and coolness under fire displayed by Brigadier Brodie is worthy of the highest praise.

(sgd) Robert H. Souls Major General CG, 3rd USA Division.

Copy page 611
Headquarters I Corps. Office of the Commanding General. Dated 15 May 1951.

1. It is my desire to bring to your attention the exceptionally able and courageous leadership displayed by Brigadier T Brodie, CBE, commander of the 29th Independent Infantry Brigade.

2. During the heavy communist attacks 22 – 25 April 1951, Brigadier Brodie demonstrated great tactical skill in the employment of his command to blunt the attack of overwhelming enemy forces and to execute successfully a withdrawal while still in heavy contact with those enemy forces. Throughout this period he repeatedly visited the most forward positions of his command, disregarding the personal hazards involved in order to encourage and inspire the members of those units. Brigadier Brodie’s personal conduct in face of great danger, his skillful employment of his troops and his sound tactical judgment are worthy of the highest praise.

3. I have taken great pride in having the 29th Brigade as a member of my fighting team and am doubly proud of the magnificent conduct of the unit and its commander during these difficult operations.

(sdg) F.W. Milburn. Lieutenant General, U.S. Army Commanding I Corps.

The National Archives' reference WO 373/119/69 Page 454.
Legion of Merit, Degree of Officer.

Brigadier Thomas Brodie, C.B.E., D.S.O.

Brigadier Brodie, British Army, distinguished himself by exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services as Commander, 29th Infantry Brigade Group, in Korea, from December 1950 to October 1951. Demonstrating tactical skill, professional competence and high qualities of leadership, Brigadier Brodie ably directed the operations of his command in offensive and blocking actions and during retrograde movements. Rapidly adapting new methods and procedure, he capably resolved complex problems incident to changing tactical situations and judiciously and efficiently adjusted and coordinated all elements of the Brigade to integrate his command into the United Nations Forces. Brigadier Brodie’s thorough tactical knowledge, sound judgment and inspirational leadership were instrumental in the successful accomplishment of all missions assigned the command and his notable achievements and steadfast devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom.



Memorial Floor Tile in Chester Cathedral, Cheshire.