John Richard “Jake” Easonsmith

John Richard Easonsmith and the Long Range Desert Group in North Africa "A Long Range Desert Group patrol clean their weapons during a break while on patrol in the Western Desert, 25 May 1942." -IWM In anticipation of Remembrance Day today we honor John Richard Easonsmith. Pictured left is John Richard Easonsmith. He was promoted to the rank of Major in October 1942, and in November 1942 was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. In October 1943 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and was appointed as the Commanding Officer of the Long Range Desert Group, as the unit left the North Africa Theatre, and embarked upon the Dodecanese Campaign, landing on the island of Leros. - IWM Easonsmith was fatally wounded at the age of 34 on November 16, 1943 during the Battle of Leros, (Greece) when he was hit by a German sniper while carrying out a lone reconnaissance patrol of a village. Lieutenant Colonel John Richard Easonsmith lies in rest at Leros War Cemetery in Greece. Lieutenant Colonel Service Number: 140546 Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C. Cdg. Long Range Desert Group Age 34 Son of George Robert and Daisy Aldridge Easonsmith (nee Watson) - m.Q2-1901 @ Barnet Husband of Honour Gertrude Easonsmith (nee Marsh) of Rudgeway - m.Q3-1935 Bristol