Lieut-Colonel (temp) Thomas John BARROW D.S.O.

As a column commander and later as commanding officer of his battalion, Lieut-Colonel BARROW has displayed unsurpassed energy throughout operations from Mar - Aug 1944. His unruffled calm on all occasions, his personal example in action, gained him the confidence of his troops from the start. Due to his thrust and speed his column's work was notable for its boldness and decisiveness.

At INDAW from 19 -27 April, Lt Col BARROW's column was first in the area and he was responsible for all the preliminary reconnaissance. This work entailed extremely hazardous operations on the outskirts of INDAW. It was carried out with the greatest skill which resulted in the remainder of the Brigade being able to operate quickly and successfully. Lt Col BARROW's column destroyed large dumps of petrol near INDAW.

At the KHYUSANLAI PASS from 23 - 25 May, Lt Col BARROW, now in command of his battalion, carried out a highly successful operation against ZIGON. The village was captured and a very large dump of valuable stores was destroyed. This operation was conducted with the greatest skill.
At CHAUNGWA from 18 - 25 June, Lt Col BARROW's battalion was responsible for guarding the Northern approaches to the lake and for the general arrangements for evacuating a large number of sick and wounded . In the middle of this an enemy force, estimated at six hundred, appeared opposite CHAUNGWA. Lt Col BARROW at once attacked the enemy, inflicted many casualties and forced them to disperse into small bands thus averting what might have been a serious situation.

On 6 Aug, Lt Col BARROW was ordered to clear the enemy from Pt 2171, a position just evacuated by another Brigade of the Force, heavily booby trapped and wired and with strong bunker positions. Lt Col Barrow, in spite of the greatest difficulties, forced his way inside the wire and for two days engaged the enemy at close quarters. By using Direct Air Support and by continually harassing the enemy he eventually forced them to evacuate their positions.