Robert Guy Loder-Symonds
Person details
| Forename(s) | Robert Guy |
|---|---|
| Surname | Loder-Symonds |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Regiment | Royal Artillery |
| Age | 32 |
| Death | Accident on active service |
| Place of Death | Far East > Surabaya |
| Date of Death | 11/11/1945 |
| Year of Entry | 1927 |
| House Letter | F |
| School Notes | Science Sixth Form |
| Comments |
http://www.pegasusarchive.org/arnhem/robert_loder_symonds.htm Father of RF Loder-Symonds (C Social 1952) War Memorial Fund (1943) Ctte minutes 29.5.1946: 'Applications on behalf of thirteen boys were considered. Twelve of the candidates were sons of ORs who had been killed in the war and one a nephew - [due] 1952 Loder-Symonds, RF, 11th birthday 16 Nov 1949.' |
| Commonwealth War Graves Commission Link | https://www.cwgc.org/find-record... |
| Unit | General Staff |
| Prefect | |
| Military Decorations | DSO, MC, and bar, US DSC; Norwegian Liberty Cross |
| Album Number | 23 |
| Battle | |
| Previous Regiment | |
| Burial or Cemetery | Indonesia > Jakarta |
| Citations | |
| Archives | Correspondence file in OR files in Radley Archives |
| Post School | Woolwich; Married |
| Prep School | |
| Prisoner of War | |
| Radlein Obituary |
March 10 1946. Killed in an aeroplane accident on active service at Surabaya on 10th Nov., 1945, Robert Guy Loder-Symonds, Brigadier, RA., D.S.O. and bar, M.C. (Hedgecock's, F, 1927-31). Robert Loder-Symonds started his school career at Radley as a slender, rather overgrown, but charmingly conscientious young fellow. He was very cheerful, and threw himself whole-heartedly into work and games, and at once gave evidence of spirited courage and resolute determination in his studies, at football, at the river, and as a long distance runner. He became Captain of his Social boats, gained his 3rd XV colours, his Trial VIII cap and 2nd VIII colours, rowing "6" in the first of the series of five winning 2nd VIII's at Marlow. He passed into Woolwich from the Science VI Form in 1931, and obtained his commission (RA.) in 1933. He fought in France and in Africa. Early in 1943 at an investiture at Buckingham Palace he received three decorations. The M.C. awarded in July 194I, the D.S.O. in February, 1942, and later in that year the bar to the D.S.O., after he had been severely wounded and nearly lost his leg. While still lame, after six months hospital treatment, he obtained a transfer to airborne troops, and as a Colonel was appointed C.R.A. to the First Airborne Division. He was promoted Brigadier, mentioned in Despatches (the 3rd). and personally decorated by General Eisenhower in Berlin with the American D.S.C. for his service and gallantry at Arnhem. We are very proud of his noble service, so much of which was so valiantly and successfully carried out in the bitterest fighting in the war. His last connection with his school as a boy was to represent it at the Duke of York's Camp. This began his life's work, at the call of his future King, and for the welfare of his country. It ended in an aeroplane accident in Java, while he was still carrying out his duties on active service. His last Radley act was to become a member of the War Memorial Committee on which he hoped to take an active part on his return to England. His death is a real loss to his Country, and is deeply lamented by his relatives, his friends and his School. W. H. F. writes:- No one who was at Radley with Robert Loder-Symonds, would have prophesied that he would become one of the most romantic figures of the War. With his attractive personality and sympathetic bearing it was only natural that he should be universally liked; and those who knew him best were aware of a moral rectitude and resoluteness that his very friendliness tended to disguise. But high honours did not come his way. He rose to the Science VI; played for the Third XV, and rowed in the Second VIII. That was the sum total of his achievements, though doubtless he would have become a Prefect had he not left for Woolwich rather early. Here, perhaps, may fitly be told -the story of his entry into the R.M.A. great issues often hang on very slender threads. When the list of successful candidates was published, his name was not there. But an examination of the mark sheets made it clear that a serious mistake had been made; and an appeal to the Board met with immediate success - the error was frankly admitted. What would have happened if Robert had gone to Sandhurst, nobody can say; no doubt he would have done equally well. But as a Gunner in War, he found the opportunity for which he had been waiting. One officer described him as "an absolute wizard on the battle field; he and his guns were always popping up in the ideal spot", Perhaps his life-long devotion to hunting had given him an eye for country that was to prove invaluable in battle. Another officer declared that "he was adored by everybody and to serve under him was an inspiration". His career was simply meteoric, but as he strode from height to height, he remained quite unspoilt; as Brigadier he was still what he always had been as a schoolboy - modest and upright, a joyous companion and loyal friend; and that's how we love to think of him. C. H. B., who was at Arnhem, writes:- In the 1St Airborne Division, Loder-Symonds immediately found recognition for his capabilities. He expected and obtained the very highest standard of training and discipline and was immensely popular with all officers and men. On 17th September, 1944, Loder-Symonds flew by glider with the Division to Arnhem. During the next eight days' fighting, he was to be seen, always wearing his maroon beret, walking round the gun positions talking to and encouraging his gunners. seemingly unaware of any danger to himself from the incessant shelling, mortaring and sniper fire. For the last four days he was in control of the artillery support given to the Division by units of 2nd Army from the Nijmegen area. His personal courage throughout was an inspiration to all who saw him. For his part in the battle he was awarded the American Distinguished Service Cross. In May, 1945, now a Brigadier, he commanded the Artillery Brigade of the 1st Airborne Division which landed in Norway. There his diplomacy in dealing with large number of Norwegians, Russians, and Germans, was outstanding. and it was with the greatest regret that we said good-bye to him when, in July, he returned to England on his way to the Far Eastern Theatre where he had been appointed C.R.A. 5th Indian Division. It was whilst carrying out his duties with this Division that he was killed. To have served under Robert Loder-Symonds, will always be for me a memory, proud and evergreen. The death of a man of his calibre is a loss both grievous and tragic to his country, his service, and his many friends. |
| Service Number | 56606 |
| Place of Birth |
