21 Facts About Alexander Stanier

Alexander Stanier's father was elected Member of Parliament for Newport, Shropshire, in 1908, and was created a Baronet by David Lloyd George in 1917 for organising Sugar beet production during the First World War.

Alexander Stanier was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during the Second Battle of Cambrai, a month before the Armistice.

Alexander Stanier rallied his platoon under heavy fire, and after personally reconnoiting the ground in front, led his men forward 200 yards to a good fir[ing] position.

Alexander Stanier was promoted to lieutenant on 21 June 1919.

Alexander Stanier relinquished this assignment in January 1930 and was promoted to major on 1 October 1932 and to lieutenant-colonel on 18 May 1939.

Alexander Stanier was awarded his first Distinguished Service Order for his bravery and leadership during this two-day operation.

Alexander Stanier was given the temporary rank of brigadier and assigned command of a new home defence brigade, the 223rd Independent Infantry Brigade, which he commanded and trained from its formation on 18 October 1940 until it was converted into the 3rd Parachute Brigade on 7 November 1942.

On 17 February 1943 Alexander Stanier took command of the 183rd Infantry Brigade forming part of 61st Infantry Division, a second line Territorial Army formation deployed in a home defence role.

At one point during these years of training, Alexander Stanier lost an eye when a soldier dropped a primed grenade by mistake.

Alexander Stanier was promoted to colonel on 31 December 1943.

On 23 February 1944 Alexander Stanier took command of the 231st Infantry Brigade.

The Commandos lost a number of men and vital equipment during the landing, but with a wireless set borrowed from brigade HQ, they set off westwards to make contact with the US troops at Omaha Beach, while Alexander Stanier organised an attack against le Hamel, supported by 147th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.

Alexander Stanier had been able to send the Dorsets to help 8th Armoured Brigade take Loucelles from the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend.

Alexander Stanier attended the 40th and 50th D-Day anniversary celebrations, and was a leading instigator of the Arromanches museum.

Alexander Stanier was later awarded a Bar to his DSO for his actions during the autumn of bitter fighting in the Rhine valley.

Alexander Stanier left on 14 February 1945 to take command of another reserve brigade briefly, before reverting to the rank of Colonel to command the Welsh Guards with the remit to prepare for demobilisation and postwar reorganisation.

Alexander Stanier was awarded a number of foreign decorations for his wartime service, including the Belgian Order of Leopold II and Croix de Guerre, and the US Silver Star.

Alexander Stanier became a county councillor in 1950, serving for eight years, and was High Sheriff of Shropshire and Deputy Lieutenant for the county in 1951.

Alexander Stanier was county president of St John Ambulance from 1950 to 1960.

Alexander Stanier was a close friend of the Duke of Windsor, and with the Romanian and Greek Royal families.

On 21 July 1927 Alexander Stanier married Dorothy Gladys, daughter of Brigadier-General Douglas Miller of Shotover Park, Wheatley, Oxfordshire.