General Bernard Montgomery, GOC British 8th Army awards the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) to Major H. P. Bell-Irving, A Company, SHC in Sicily, August 1943. Major H.P. Bell-Irving receiving the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) from General Sir Bernard Montgomery, GOC 8th Army for his actions with A Company at "Grizzly Hill" near Agira, Sicily. The defence of Monte Fronte (Grizzly Hill) west of Agira was essential to its capture. Canadian Army Overseas Photo 24225 BELL-IRVING, Henry Pybus, Major - Distinguished Service Order - Infantry (Seaforth Highlanders of Canada) - awarded as per Canada Gazette dated 25 September 1943 and CARO/3791 dated 6 November 1943. In the attack of the Seaforths of Canada on Agira, 28 July 1943, Major Bell-Irving, Officer Commanding "A" Company, was ordered to gain and hold the sharp ridge on the right which was held by the enemy in strength. This operation entailed a most difficult ascent of a precipitous feature under direct fire from enemy machine guns. During the approach to the feature, "A" Company came under heavy fire from two hidden enemy tanks. Major Bell-Irving, despite the heavy enemy fire and the resultant casualties, attacked and routed the tanks. He continued the advance, positioning himself in the forefront at all times and under his bold leadership, "A" Company stormed the hill, gained a foothold, and held the feature in spite of repeated counter-attacks and heavy enemy machine gun fire. The courage and determination with which this officer pressed forward completely disregarding his own safety was an inspiration and contributed to the success of the battalion attack.