Messervy, Frank Walter (1893-1974)

Wikipedia

"The Bearded Man" first made his reputation in East Africa, where he commanded Gazelle Force. He later commanded divisions in North Africa, where he was briefly captured by the Germans but managed to escape. Sacked by Ritchie in June 1942, he returned to India, where he again became a divisional commander and then a corps commander in Burma. A cavalryman and avid polo player noted both for his rugged optimism and his religious devotion, he became one of Slim's best subordinate commanders. Slim described him as "not too calculating of odds" and meant it as a compliment. However, Slim took the precaution of assigning Messervy a chief of staff, Brigadier Cobb, whose steadiness would balance Messervy's dash. (When Messervy objected, Slim told him "Very well, no Cobb, no Corps" [Lewin 1976].)

During the Battle of the Admin Box in the second Arakan campaign, Messervy narrowly escaped being killed or captured by the Japanese when his headquarters was overrun, and he lost his general's hat (which was custom-tailored to fit his unusually large head.) The hat was later recaptured when a group of Japanese soldiers wearing British uniforms attacked the British perimeter and were wiped out.

Messervy was a tall, thin, fearless man. He was also innovative, and with Slim's approval he reorganized 5 and 7 Indian Divisions such that each had two motorized brigades and one airlanding brigade. This proved ideal for the mobile battle that was later fought in central Burma.

Service record

References

Allen (1984)

Boatner (1996)

Generals.dk (accessed 2008-11-4)

Lewin (1976)

Pettibone (2006)

Slim (1956)

The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia © 2008, 2010-2011 by Kent G. Budge. Index

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