Tony Paget
Anthony Francis McLeod "Tony" Paget DSO was a junior British Army officer who was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for conspicuous gallantry while serving with the 1st Battalion, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry during Operation Veritable in February–March 1945 during the Second World War.Early life
Paget was born in Kensington, London, the younger son of the future General Sir Bernard Paget. He was educated at Radley College, Radley, Oxfordshire.During the Second World War Paget joined the British Army and commenced training with the Welsh Guards and Officer Cadet Training Unit. On 30 July 1943, Paget was commissioned as a second lieutenant into the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, his father's regiment. He was posted to the 1st Battalion, attached to the 71st Infantry Brigade, itself one of three brigades forming the 53rd Infantry Division. He served throughout most of the North-West Europe Campaign of 1944–1945 in the Second World War.
In July 1944 Paget was awarded the Croix de guerre and mentioned in despatches for his role in the battle of Cahier during the battle for Caen: a vital objective of the Allies during the Battle of Normandy. He was later wounded in France and evacuated to England. He returned to his battalion in December 1944.
By now promoted to lieutenant, Paget died on 5 March 1945 from wounds received near Weeze, Germany, during the action for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for gallantry, in Operation Veritable. Paget is buried in Mook War Cemetery, Limburg, the Netherlands. There is a memorial plaque commemorating his life in Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. His elder brother was Sir Julian Tolver Paget, 4th Baronet.
Lieutenant Tony Paget died on 5 March 1945, aged just 20 years.
