Frost, ‘Johnnie’ Dutton (1912–1993)

British military officer, commander of the 2nd Parachute Battalion. Frost carved his name in the annals of Anglo-American military history by reaching and holding the bridge at Arnhem until his ammunition ran out September 1944, although surrounded by SS Panzers. His name was later illuminated by Cornelius Ryan's book and Richard Attenborough's film A Bridge Too Far, in which he was portrayed by Anthony Hopkins.

Frost's epic fight at Arnhem was the climax of his wartime service with the 2nd Parachute Battalion. He was a founder member of ‘2 Para’ and his indomitable leadership as adjutant, company commander, and commanding officer, established its fighting traditions.

Frost was the son of Brigadier F D Frost. He was born in Poona, and educated at Wellington College, Monkton Combe School, and Sandhurst before being commissioned into the Cameronians (the Scottish Rifles) 1932. His early service was in Palestine, and in 1938 he was seconded to the Iraq Levies with whom he served until 1941. Feeling that the war was passing him by, he engineered his return to England where he was posted to the newly formed 2nd Parachute Battalion. His distinguished wartime career included leading the Bruneval raid in February 1942 and service in North Africa and Sicily.