Navy Federal Credit Union

Robert Loder-Symonds was killed in an aircraft accident on November 11, 1945 when the Mosquito in which he was a passenger crashed when taking off from Surabaya airfield. Other reports indicate that his plane was shot down by Indonesian troops when he wanted to observe the battle for Surabaya from the air.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    Foreign

    Rank:

    Brigadier

    Regiment:

    Royal Artillery

    Division:

    1st Airborne Division, British Army

    Action Date:

    September 17 – 25, 1944

    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 18 (February 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Brigadier Robert Guy Loder-Symonds, British Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as Commander, Royal Artillery, 1st Airborne Division, British Army, in action against enemy forces during the battle of Arnhem, Belgium. from 17 September 1944 to 25 September 1944. Brigadier Loder-Symonds’ artillery arrangements during the battle were outstanding and the maximum possible use was made at all tines of the support available. When the medium artillery of the Second Army came within range, Brigadier Loder-Symonds directed their fire with such skill that medium shells were destroying the enemy within a few hundred yards of the British positions. The effect of this close-in medium support was so devastating that several enemy concentrations, forming for attack, were completely broken up and many dangerous situations were averted. Brigadier Loder-Symonds was constantly under fire. The leadership he displayed and his cheerfulness under difficult and dangerous conditions were outstanding at all times, and an example to those with whom he came in contact.