David Block facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Block
Birth name	David Arthur Kennedy William Block
Born	13 June 1908
Died	2001 (aged 92−93)
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Years of service	1928–1961
Rank	Brigadier
Unit	Royal Artillery
Commands held	Ayrshire Yeomanry 2nd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery
Battles/wars	Second World War
Awards	Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order Military Cross

David Arthur Kennedy William Block was a brave British Army officer. He was born on June 13, 1908, and passed away in 2001. During the Second World War, he showed great courage. He earned the Military Cross for his actions in North Africa. Later, he received the Distinguished Service Order for his bravery in Italy. After the war, he became an aide to Queen Elizabeth II.

Early Life and Military Start

David Block was born in a place called Cothall in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He had a twin brother, Adam Block, who also became a high-ranking army officer.

David went to Blundell's School in Tiverton. Then, he studied at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich. In 1928, he officially joined the Royal Artillery as an officer.

In 1931, Block joined the 2nd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery. He moved with them to Cairo, Egypt, where he worked as an adjutant. An adjutant is an officer who helps with administrative tasks and keeps things organized. Before the war started, he also taught at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich.

Fighting in World War II

When World War II began, David Block was sent to the 12th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. He served as an adjutant there. His wartime service took him to North Africa and Italy, where he faced many challenges.

Battles in North Africa

In April 1943, the German and Italian forces (called the Axis) were being pushed back in Tunis, North Africa. British forces needed to break through a tough area called the Fondouk Pass. A rocky hill named Djebel Rhorab was blocking the way. German soldiers were strongly defending it.

Major Block was in charge of "C" Battery of the Ayrshire Yeomanry (a type of artillery unit). He joined a group of soldiers called the Welsh Guards to attack Djebel Rhorab. Block's artillery fired shells very close to the advancing Welshmen. This helped the Guards capture the position after several tries. For his amazing skill in directing fire and his bravery, Block was given the Military Cross.

Earlier, in March, Block's battery faced a strong German attack near Bou Arada. The Germans overran the infantry and came very close to Block's gun positions. Block responded with incredibly accurate shooting. His actions helped push back the attack, causing heavy losses for the enemy. For this, he was mentioned in official reports for his bravery.

The Tough Fight in Italy

In February 1944, Block and his regiment, with their 25-pounder field guns, moved to Naples, Italy. This was their first time fighting in mountains with narrow mule tracks. In April, they supported the 1st Guards Brigade during the Battle of Monte Cassino. This town was a mess of ruins and craters.

Block's unit set up observation posts and helped with radio communications. German snipers and machine guns were a constant threat. Block came up with a clever way to hit enemy positions, even borrowing a large American howitzer to destroy German tanks. Life in Cassino was dangerous, especially at night. Supplies had to be brought in under a smokescreen. Block's quick thinking and leadership were vital.

After Cassino, the Ayrshire Yeomanry fought their way north through Italy. In May, they helped capture Monte Piccolo, a difficult hill. German paratroopers counter-attacked four times. Each time, Block's brilliant shooting broke up their assaults. Block was even wounded during this action. For his skill and bravery in leading his regiment through so many battles, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

In late 1944, he moved to the 8th Army Headquarters. The next year, he went to the Allied Headquarters in Vienna. In 1947, he returned to England to become the College Commander at RMA Sandhurst, a famous military academy.

After the War

In 1949, David Block took command of the 2nd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery. He was stationed in places like Retford and Hildesheim. In 1951, he moved to SHAPE in Versailles, France.

By 1953, he was leading the Royal Artillery for the 7th Armoured Division. In 1958, he commanded a training brigade. A great honor came in 1959 when he was appointed an ADC (Aide-de-camp) to the Queen. This meant he was a personal assistant to the Queen for military matters. He retired from the army in 1961 with the rank of Brigadier.

After retiring, Block became very active in his local community. He served as a churchwarden (a lay official who helps manage church affairs) at West Chelborough in Dorset. He also became the chairman of the Cattistock Hunt, a local hunting group.

Sources

• Obituary of Brigadier David Block, The Daily Telegraph, 14 July, 2001