During the riot in the town of Drvar, Bosnia on 24 April 1998, Master Warrant Officer Ingersoll demonstrated leadership, courage and judgment of the highest standards.

        Master Warrant Officer Ingersoll is the Company Sergeant Major of Charles Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. Garrisoned in the town of Drvar, Charles Company is responsible to provide a secure environment there, to further the implementation of the Dayton peace Accord.

        On 24 April, 1998, a mob of 500 Croats staged a violent, destructive riot to express their dissatisfaction with the initiatives of the International Agencies in Drvar. After assaulting the Serb mayor and setting fire to International organizations' vehicles, offices and equipment, the mob then attacked an apartment complex, housing recently returned Serb DPREs. They burned their housing and vehicles, then attempted to overwhelm the Canadian Battle Group soldiers defending the site with the intention of assaulting the Serb residents.

        Master Warrant Officer Ingersoll was instrumental in defusing several potentially deadly confrontations. By personally intervening and demonstrating resolve with his vehicle weapons, he deterred an assault on a Serb fire-truck crew. He then directed his armoured vehicle at the scene to effect an evacuation of the seriously injured Mayor, Mr. Mile Marcetta. Master Warrant Officer Ingersoll then rallied his available troops to establish a defensive perimeter around the threatened Serb citizen, now gathered in a central schoolhouse. Despite overwhelming odds, he directed his soldiers to establish a coherent cordon at the site, denying the mob access to the Serbs. Master Warrant Officer Ingersoll was a steadying influence to his troops by continually placing himself at the most threatened areas confronted by the mob. When necessary, he fired warning shots to deter the rioters from overwhelming the cordon. His courage and resolve served as a power example to his soldiers.

        Master Warrant officer Ingersoll, through his leadership and clear direction to his soldiers, was key to his Company's success. By rigidly adhering to SFOR Rules of Engagement, and his resolve to prevent any casualties among the rioters, Master Warrant Officer Ingersoll's actions greatly contributed to containing the violence. His exemplary performance brought great credit to his unit and SFOR. He is highly recommended for recognition.

Signed by P.J. Devlin, L.Col.CO
15 July 1998

AWARD RECEIVED FROM ENGLAND

MENTION IN DESPATCHES

By the Queen's Order the name of

Master Warrant Officer Derek Sinclair Ingersoll, C.D.
The Royal Canadian Regiment

was published in the London Gazette on

Friday, 7th May 1999

as mentioned in a Despatch for Gallantry

I am charged to record her majesty's highest appreciation

Signed
Secretary of State for Defence

TELEMESSAGE

BucKingham Palace
London
SW1A 1AA

06 May 1999

TELEMESSAGE
MASTER WARRANT OFFICER DEREK INGERSOLL, CD
C/O ASSISTANT ARMY ADVISER
HIGH COMMISSION FOR CANADA
MACDONALD HOUSE, 1 GROVESNOR SQUARE
LONDON W1X OAB

MANY CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WELL DESERVED HONOUR. I WAS VERY PLEASED TO HEAR ABOUT IT AND SEND MY BEST WISHES.

PHILIP
COLONEL-IN-CHIEF


The "Mention in Despatches" was presented to Derek by Lieut. General Leach, the Commander of the Canadian Army.

        A silver oak leaf, the medal for "Mention in Despatches", is an attachment on the NATO medal. The 1 RCR was under the command of the British sector.

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