oil painting

This oil painting by Gerald Hare depicts Captain David Auldjo Jamieson and members of D Company of the 7th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment, in combat against the 12th SS Panzer Division. This action was part of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Northern France which began with the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944. On 7th-8th August, Captain Jamieson's Company found themselves desperately defending their position on the River Orme, Normandy, against seven waves of counter-attack over a 36-hour period.

On the second day, a fresh German Battle Group broke through their defences and surrounded Jamieson's Company on three sides, destroying two of their three tanks. At this point, Jamieson left his slit trench and climbed on top of his one remaining tank to direct its operator, braving constant close-range fire: this is the moment portrayed in the painting. He was blasted off by a direct hit and wounded in the eye and forearm, but insisted on returning to the battle after his wounds had been dressed.

As the only officer left standing, Jamieson continued to organise his men and direct the artillery fire through three more waves of attack, despite the pain of his wounds, until the Germans finally withdrew. The London Gazette credited his 'superb qualities of leadership and great personal bravery' for enabling the Norfolks to hold their position, and he was awarded the Victoria Cross.