John Edward Toole NELSON DSO (2)

John Edward Toole NELSON, D.S.O. Colonel 31439 Royal Engineers, born 21st May 1902 at Bora, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Died in Malta 29th June 1983. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order 24 August 1944. He at one time commanded 4 British Infantry Division, Royal Engineers, 13 Corps.

Husband of the noble Mona Nelson nee De Piro born 1909 died 2004

Both at rest in Addolorata Cemetery, Malta.

D.S.O. Citation -
The work of 4th Division Royal Engineers throughout the operation of crossing the RAPIDO was a very high order. This was chiefly due to the organized ability of Lt Col. Nelson and to his excellent leadership. He was present at the bridge site during the unsuccessful efforts to bridge the river, 11/12 Nay. The next night he was chiefly due to his first-class planning and personal control of the building at the AMAZON site that this vital bridge was constructed in spite of mortar artillery and short-range gun fire. Throughout the operations whether the Sappers were building bridges, road making of mine lifting Lt Col NELSON was always forward directing operations and inspiring his Field Coys without thought of personal safety. To him is due a large measure of the credit for the success of the Division in its operations.