Orders, Decorations and Medals

An outstanding C.B.E., Second World War D.S.O. and Bar, and ‘Mahsud’ M.C. group of thirteen awarded to Brigadier C. H. B. Rodham, Royal Garhwal Rifles, Indian Army

The Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) 2nd type neck badge, contained in its Garrard & Co case of issue; Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., the reverse suspension bar officially dated ‘1945’, with Second Award Bar, the reverse officially dated ‘1945’; Military Cross, G.V.R.; India General Service 1908-35, 5 clasps, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919, Mahsud 1919-20, Waziristan 1919-21, Waziristan 1921-24, North West Frontier 1930-31 (Lieut. C. H. B. Rodham, 2-25 Pjbis.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; War Medal; India Service Medal; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46 (Brig. C. H. B. Rodham, D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C., R. Garh. Rif.); Coronation 1937; Coronation 1953; Pakistan Independence Medal 1947 (T/Brig., Staff); Pakistan Republic Medal 1956, unnamed as issued, contact wear to the M.C. and I.G.S., these nearly very fine, otherwise good very fine and rare (13)

C.B.E. (Military) London Gazette 1 January 1953. O.B.E. (Military) London Gazette 1 January 1934. M.I.D. London Gazette 1 January 1946 and 9 May 1946.

D.S.O. London Gazette 24 May 1945. ‘For gallant and distinguished service in Burma.’ The official recommendation states: ‘In one month, 15 January - 15 February, 100th Indian Infantry Brigade commanded by Brigadier Ridham has by rapid movement and first class tactics cleared the Japanese out of position after position, all of which they had every intention of holding, thus gaining with few casualties but in a very short time the North Bank of the Irrawaddy River, thus enabling preparations thereafter to cross the river; the enemy made three strong attempts to establish themselves on the North Bank at Letmakpin, Satpangon and Nyaung. Each of these attempts after very hard fighting were decisively foiled, the enemy losing disastrously at each attempt.

During this anxious period, Brigadier Rodham conducted the battle with consummate skill and coolness, and refused to allow the enemy to deter him from his main object which was to establish a bridgehead on the South Bank of the Irrawaddy River. His preliminary training was carried on, and his preparations so cunningly and successfully concealed from the enemy, in spite of their many reconnaissance and raiding parties in the neighbourhood, that on the 12 February, he put his bridgehead across as a complete surprise to the enemy, held it against many determined attacks and attempts at infiltration. The first flight of the first battalion to cross failed to make headway against the strong stream running and had its two leading companies in midstream, at the time when it was expected they would have established themselves on the far bank. A less determined commander than Brigadier Rodham might have called the operation off for that night, but he called into operation his alternative plan, skillfully reorganised the order of crossing, and by first light had a battalion and a half established on the far bank. Throughout, Brigadier Rodham has shown the qualities of a fine Commander, his brigade has been excellently handled.’

Bar to D.S.O. London Gazette 28 June 1945. ‘For gallant and distinguished services during the operations in Burma and on the Eastern Frontier of India 16 May 1944 to 15 August 1944.’ The official recommendation states: ‘During June, July and August, 1944, Brigadier Rodham commanded 49 Indian Infantry Brigade in almost continuous operations against the Japanese, first east of Palel and then at Sibong. The latter was a particularly difficult operation in jungle covered hills on the flank of the main axis of advance of 23 Indian Division. His successful conduct of both of these operations not only enabled offensive operations to be initiated but contributed very largely to the capture of Tamu and the rout of the Japanese forces in this area. Throughout the whole period Brigadier Rodham showed untiring energy, courage and devotion to duty. His Brigade was tired but operated for six weeks in the monsoon without change of clothes or cover. In spite of this it fought magnificently. That it did so was largely due to his personal example. Whatever the conditions he remained calm and cheerful with a will to maintain the offensive. This was particularly marked in the closing phases of the Sibong operation when he was faced by two fresh Japanese battalions. In the defeat of these and the subsequent ocupation of Tamu hispersonal leadership was a big factor. In my opinion, his successful accomplishment of the tasks set to him under the worst conditions of terrain and weather merits high recognition.’

M.C. London Gazette 28 September 1921. ‘For distinguished service in the Field with the Waziristan Force, India: Lt. C. H. B. Rodham, 1/127th Baluch. L.I., attd. 2/25th Pinj., I.A. For gallantry and devotion to duty, during the action in the Takkizam, on 23rd April, 1921. When the enemy opened an intense fire on the convoy and the forward platoons in the river bed, and these palaoons were running short of ammunition, he took command of a platoon to carry up more ammunition, and was wounded in the arm almost as they started. Disregarding a severe wound in his forearm, he planned a fresh line of advance, and under a heavy fire led the platoon to within 40 yards of the front line, where he was again severely wounded. His very gallant example and coolness inspired all ranks and enabled the object to be achieved without check.’

Cuthbert Harold Boyd Rodham was born on 25 May 1900, son of Rear-Admiral H. Rodham, C.M.G., Royal Navy. He was educated at Dover College and attended the Cadet College, Quetta, passing out on 15 April 1919. He joined the 2/18th Royal Garhwal Rifles and served in Afghanistan 1919; North West Frontier of India 1919-21; Mahsud Campaign 1920 (wounded, despatches, M.C.); Waziristan Operations 1922-23; Mahsud Operations 1930. He acted as one of the Staff Officers of the Indian Coronation Contingent in 1937. Served during the Second World War as a Brigade Commander in Burma despatches 3 times, D.S.O. and Bar); Commanded 100 Indian Infantry Brigade, French Indo-China Occupation Force 1945-46; Director of Infantry, GHQ India 1946-47; Brigade Commander, Pakistan Army 1948-51; Director of Infantry 1951-57; Deputy Chief of General Staff, Pakistan Army 1957-63. He received the Order of Quaid-i-Azam of Pakistan in 1959. Brigadier Cuthbert Rodham died in Rawalpindi on 16 June 1973.