From London Gazette:
The undermentioned Officers to be Second Lieutenants Dated 28rd May, 1906 :—
Lieutenant Thomas Henry Beckley, from The Duke of Con naught's Own Sligo Royal Garrison
Artillery (Militia).
Saturday, 24 November 2007
Beckley DSO
Thomas Henry Beckley, born 1886; commissioned (from Militia) Second Lieutenant Royal Artillery, 23.5.1906; served with the British Expeditionary Force in France, disembarking 15.10.1914; advanced Captain 30.10.1914; Major 7.1.1917.
M.I.D. London Gazette 15.8.1917 Major Thomas Henry Beckley, Royal Artillery
France, Croix de Guerre London Gazette 31.8.1917 Major Thomas Henry Beckley, Royal Artillery Major
Friday, 23 November 2007
New DSO in the collection
A Great War 1917 ‘Mesopotamia’ D.S.O. Group of Seven to Major T.H. Beckley, Royal Field Artillery
a) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, minor red enamel damage, lacking top riband bar
b) 1914 Star (Lieut: T.H. Beckley, R.F.A.)
c) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaves (Major T.H. Beckley.)
d) Defence Medal
e) War Medal
f) France, Croix de Guerre, avec palmes, reverse dated ‘1914-1916’
Very fine or better, the Great War awards mounted as originally worn, with the following original documentation:
- Bestowal Document for the Distinguished Service Order, dated 25.8.1917
- M.I.D. Certificate, dated 10.4.1917
- (3) Congratulatory Telegrams with regard to the award of the recipient’s D.S.O., one from General Mackey
a) Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, minor red enamel damage, lacking top riband bar
b) 1914 Star (Lieut: T.H. Beckley, R.F.A.)
c) British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. Oakleaves (Major T.H. Beckley.)
d) Defence Medal
e) War Medal
f) France, Croix de Guerre, avec palmes, reverse dated ‘1914-1916’
Very fine or better, the Great War awards mounted as originally worn, with the following original documentation:
- Bestowal Document for the Distinguished Service Order, dated 25.8.1917
- M.I.D. Certificate, dated 10.4.1917
- (3) Congratulatory Telegrams with regard to the award of the recipient’s D.S.O., one from General Mackey
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Reunification?
Today I placed a bid on a MC (GV) and trio to A. J. Bailey. If my bid was accepted then it looks like I have been successful in a reunification of sorts.
For many years I have owned a single MC (GV) engraved on the reverse to this gentleman along with his original commission document and a photograph of him.
Fingers crossed.
For many years I have owned a single MC (GV) engraved on the reverse to this gentleman along with his original commission document and a photograph of him.
Fingers crossed.
Monday, 24 September 2007
A Military General Service medal for the battle of Talavera.
General P. Campbell CB, Royal Artillery
Military General Service Medal 1793-1814 [Talavera]
(P. Campbell Capt. R. Arty.)
Patrick Campbell was born in Duntroon, Argyllshire, Scotland, entering the army as Gentleman Cadet aged 15 years 9 months on 19 March 1793, 2nd Lieutenant 6 March 1785, Lieutenant 3 October 1795, Captain Lieutenant 20 March 1803, Captain 1 June 1806, Brevet Major 14 October 1813, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel 1 June 1815, Major 5 January 1825, Lieutenant Colonel 29 July 1825, Colonel 10 January 1837, Major General 9 November 1846, Lieutenant General 20 June 1854, General 26 November 1854. He retired on full pay on 11 November 1836.
He served at the capture of St. Lucia as Lieutenant in 1796:
“During the aftermath of the French Revolution, Brigands – with the help of the French – gained control of the island of St. Lucia after defeating Brigadier-General Stewart and his troops at Vieux Fort and Rabot. On 12 April 1796, British troops under General Ralph Abercrombie moved in to recapture the island. After many attempts to defeat the Brigands at Morne Fortuné they finally succeeded. On 24 May 1796, The 27th Regiment of Foot (Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers), led by Brigadier-General (later Sir) John Moore, captured Morne Fortuné. The defenders, mostly ex-slaves, laid down their arms and became prisoners of war.”[1]
Casualties during this campaign were high but mainly due to yellow fever rather than death in combat. Subsequently he served in the Carib War in St. Vincent:
“Conflict between the British and the black Caribs continued until 1796, when General Abercrombie crushed a revolt fomented by the French radical Victor Hugues. More than 5,000 black Caribs were eventually deported to Roatan, an island off the coast of Honduras.”[2]
He arrived in the Peninsula in January 1809 and in April 1809 he was employed with the Spanish troops at Seville. On 1 July 1810, as Captain, he was officer commanding the 2nd Battalion RA at Cadiz and also Second in Command RA in the city.
In July 1810 he was sent to Walcheren (a small Island in the North Sea, just off the coast of The Netherlands), to take part in the military campaign against the French:
“Three companies, commanded by Captains Drummond, Campbell and Fyers, had landed at Ter Veer on the 8th August, and proved of great service in the batteries at Oust Zouberg.[3]”
The Commander Royal Artillery during this Campaign was Major General J. MacLeod whose group is also in the collection.
He returned to the Peninsula in December 1809 when the Walcheren campaign ended. He took part in the battles of Talavera and Castalla and, according to Vigors and Macfarlane[4], saw service with the Portuguese during this campaign, one of only two artillery officers to do so.
He was awarded the Order of Charles III, Cross[5] (Spain) as “Major RA / Brigadier General in Spanish Service” for “distinguished services rendered by him in several actions with the enemy during the Peninsular War, particularly at Medellin, Talavara de la Reyna, Castalla, Tarragona and Barcelona”. [6]
The Order of Charles III was conferred on Spaniards and foreigners for outstanding service to the fatherland. The Spanish Head of State is the Grand Master of the Order and has five classes. The 2nd Class (Grand Cross) wears the Badge of the Order on a sash and the Star of the Order on the left breast.
An interesting note is that he was one of only four officers of the artillery (including 2 from the Field Train) who were awarded the Military General Service Medal with the single bar Talavara. He received the medal with one clasp on 7 January 1848 (WO 100/1).
He is listed on the Full Pay Army List but saw no further war service as he entered the Diplomatic Service retiring on full pay as Lieutenant Colonel.
He died 29 August 1857 at his home after over 60 years in the service of his country. His death notice reads:
“On the 29th August at 8 Rockstone-place, Southampton in his 78th year, General Patrick Campbell of Duntroon, late Royal Artillery, formerly Chargé d’Affaires in Columbia and afterwards Consul General and Diplomatic Agent Egypt.”
At some time he was created CB, military division.
[1] “History of St. Lucia”
[2] “St. Vincent and the Grenadines” – Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Washington D.C., USA. 2002 Edition.
[3] “History of the Royal Artillery – Vol. II” – Major Duncan RA
[4] “The Three Retrospective Medals 1793-1840 Awarded to Artillerymen” – D.D. Vigors & A.M. Macfarlane.
[5] This is probably the “Grand Cross” (2nd Class)
[6] London Gazette 6 August 1816 (p.1528)
(P. Campbell Capt. R. Arty.)
Patrick Campbell was born in Duntroon, Argyllshire, Scotland, entering the army as Gentleman Cadet aged 15 years 9 months on 19 March 1793, 2nd Lieutenant 6 March 1785, Lieutenant 3 October 1795, Captain Lieutenant 20 March 1803, Captain 1 June 1806, Brevet Major 14 October 1813, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel 1 June 1815, Major 5 January 1825, Lieutenant Colonel 29 July 1825, Colonel 10 January 1837, Major General 9 November 1846, Lieutenant General 20 June 1854, General 26 November 1854. He retired on full pay on 11 November 1836.
He served at the capture of St. Lucia as Lieutenant in 1796:
“During the aftermath of the French Revolution, Brigands – with the help of the French – gained control of the island of St. Lucia after defeating Brigadier-General Stewart and his troops at Vieux Fort and Rabot. On 12 April 1796, British troops under General Ralph Abercrombie moved in to recapture the island. After many attempts to defeat the Brigands at Morne Fortuné they finally succeeded. On 24 May 1796, The 27th Regiment of Foot (Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers), led by Brigadier-General (later Sir) John Moore, captured Morne Fortuné. The defenders, mostly ex-slaves, laid down their arms and became prisoners of war.”[1]
Casualties during this campaign were high but mainly due to yellow fever rather than death in combat. Subsequently he served in the Carib War in St. Vincent:
“Conflict between the British and the black Caribs continued until 1796, when General Abercrombie crushed a revolt fomented by the French radical Victor Hugues. More than 5,000 black Caribs were eventually deported to Roatan, an island off the coast of Honduras.”[2]
He arrived in the Peninsula in January 1809 and in April 1809 he was employed with the Spanish troops at Seville. On 1 July 1810, as Captain, he was officer commanding the 2nd Battalion RA at Cadiz and also Second in Command RA in the city.
In July 1810 he was sent to Walcheren (a small Island in the North Sea, just off the coast of The Netherlands), to take part in the military campaign against the French:
“Three companies, commanded by Captains Drummond, Campbell and Fyers, had landed at Ter Veer on the 8th August, and proved of great service in the batteries at Oust Zouberg.[3]”
The Commander Royal Artillery during this Campaign was Major General J. MacLeod whose group is also in the collection.
He returned to the Peninsula in December 1809 when the Walcheren campaign ended. He took part in the battles of Talavera and Castalla and, according to Vigors and Macfarlane[4], saw service with the Portuguese during this campaign, one of only two artillery officers to do so.
He was awarded the Order of Charles III, Cross[5] (Spain) as “Major RA / Brigadier General in Spanish Service” for “distinguished services rendered by him in several actions with the enemy during the Peninsular War, particularly at Medellin, Talavara de la Reyna, Castalla, Tarragona and Barcelona”. [6]
The Order of Charles III was conferred on Spaniards and foreigners for outstanding service to the fatherland. The Spanish Head of State is the Grand Master of the Order and has five classes. The 2nd Class (Grand Cross) wears the Badge of the Order on a sash and the Star of the Order on the left breast.
An interesting note is that he was one of only four officers of the artillery (including 2 from the Field Train) who were awarded the Military General Service Medal with the single bar Talavara. He received the medal with one clasp on 7 January 1848 (WO 100/1).
He is listed on the Full Pay Army List but saw no further war service as he entered the Diplomatic Service retiring on full pay as Lieutenant Colonel.
He died 29 August 1857 at his home after over 60 years in the service of his country. His death notice reads:
“On the 29th August at 8 Rockstone-place, Southampton in his 78th year, General Patrick Campbell of Duntroon, late Royal Artillery, formerly Chargé d’Affaires in Columbia and afterwards Consul General and Diplomatic Agent Egypt.”
At some time he was created CB, military division.
[1] “History of St. Lucia”
[2] “St. Vincent and the Grenadines” – Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Washington D.C., USA. 2002 Edition.
[3] “History of the Royal Artillery – Vol. II” – Major Duncan RA
[4] “The Three Retrospective Medals 1793-1840 Awarded to Artillerymen” – D.D. Vigors & A.M. Macfarlane.
[5] This is probably the “Grand Cross” (2nd Class)
[6] London Gazette 6 August 1816 (p.1528)
Thursday, 6 September 2007
Major D. G. Ross MC, RHA
It has been a while since I updated this blog, so here is information on another group in my collection:
Major D. G. Ross MC, Royal Horse Artillery
Military Cross (GVI) dated 1942, 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, War Medal.
Plus 23 (mostly named) medals for athletics - Silver "United Services Athletics" medal for Tripoli 1943, 6 silver and 3 bronze "International Track and Field Games" for Genoa 1945 (200, 400, 1500 meters, relay, cross country), Norway Gold Medal “Norrona Viking August 1947” on attractive ribbon, Silver gilt and enamel medal for Milan 1946, International 1600m, rugby tournament shield (x2), silver spoon for London Harriers Racing Club, patch of participation in the the “British Empire Vs. USA” games of 1952 etc.
David Gowers Ross came from Harwich, which is a busy coastal town and international port located on the estuary of the rivers Stour and Orwell in northeast Essex, England. The town is a historically important port which has provided a sheltered anchorage for shipping through the ages.
He was commissioned into the RA and given the army number 182093.
He was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery in action in July 1942, North Africa, an action which spelled the end to Rommel’s final offensive. At the time he was serving with 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery under Lieutenant Colonel J.A. Akroyd-Hunt which formed part of the 22nd (Light) Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division. His recommendation reads:
“On 3rd July 1942 2/ Lieut. Ross had a troop of A/T guns in action with “M” Battery RHA in the Wadi North of Pt. 64 on Ruweisat Ridge. The Battery was engaged by some MKIV tanks and had to withdraw.
One portee towing a 6-pdr. was hit and went on fire and a 15-cwt towing another 6-pdr. stuck in the soft sand. While the battery was withdrawing 2/Lt. Ross, who had just arrived up from the rear with some vehicles that had stuck during the advance, went straight forward 1000 (yards) under fire and got the gun which was stuck out of action and brought it back; he then went out a second time to the burning portee coming under 75mm and small arms fire in order to try to get the second gun back. He stayed there under heavy fire trying to recover the gun but finally had to give it up as the 6-pdr. ammunition started to explode. (The gun was recovered later in the day).”
His MC was approved by Montgomery (as Lieutenant General of the 8th Army) and Alexander (as General Commander-in-Chief, Middle East Forces) and was published in the London Gazette of Tuesday 22 September 1942 “... in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East”.
The 3rd Battery, RHA had only just joined “Robcol”[1] on the day that Ross was awarded his Military Cross. During the first few days of July Robcol had, according to Brigadier R. P. Waller DSO MC and Lieutenant Colonel A. H. E. Howell DSO in their account “Who Stopped Rommel?” been instrumental in putting a stop to Rommels advance on Alexandria:
“They (11th Regiment RA – ed) held the Ridge till nightfall. Not alone – the men of the 1st/4th Essex were with them from the start; and in the late afternoon a seven-gun HAC Battery (all that they could muster out of 24, but invaluable support), while 22 Armoured Brigade and their accompanying RHA (3rd RHA – ed) came up to cover the left flank… In the gathering dusk the enemy made his last effort. It was broken, though tanks got for some critical minutes within a few yards of our forward guns, and as night fell Axis armour drew off and the battle died down… The damage inflicted on the enemy was not easy to assess, but it is probable that well over 20 tanks were disabled and certain that six were total wrecks. What mattered was that Rommel’s armour had reached its furthest forward point – and been decisively and finally stopped by the guns of the regiment. For though the battle was renewed the next day (3rd July was 78th/84th Battery’s day) and again the day after that, more troops had by then been collected and pushed up to the support of Robcol. The crisis had passed.”
Ten days later at the same location, Sergeant K. Elliot, 22nd Battalion, 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force was awarded the Victoria Cross. His citation reads:
“On 15 July 1942 at Ruweisat, Western Desert, Egypt, Sergeant Elliott, while leading his platoon in an attack under heavy machine-gun and mortar fire, was wounded in the chest. Nevertheless, he carried on and led his men in a bayonet charge which resulted in the capture of four enemy machine-gun posts and an anti-tank gun. Seven of the enemy were killed and 50 taken prisoner. In spite of his wounds Sergeant Elliott refused to leave his platoon until he had reformed them and handed over the prisoners, the number of which had by then increased to 130.”
Previously the regiment had won a Victoria Cross in the Western Desert and the similarities between Lieutenant Ross’ MC citation and Lieutenant Gunn’s VC citation can not be ignored. The noticeable difference being that Gunn did not survive the action:
2nd Lt. George Gunn (1912-1941)
2nd Lieutenant George Ward Gunn MC of the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, citation reads:
"On November 21st 1941, at Sidi Rezegh, 2nd Lt Gunn was in command of a troop of four anti-tank guns which was part of a battery of 12 guns attached to the Rifle Brigade Column. At ten o'clock a covering force of enemy tanks was engaged and driven off, but an hour later the main attack by about 60 enemy tanks developed, 2nd Lt Gunn drove from gun to gun during this period in an unarmoured vehicle encouraging his men and reorganising his dispositions as first one gun and then another were knocked out. Finally, only two guns remained in action and were subjected to very heavy fire. Immediately afterwards one of these guns was destroyed and the portee of the other was set on fire and all the crew killed or wounded except the sergeant, though the gun remained undamaged. The battery commander then arrived and began to fight the flames. When he saw this, 2nd Lt Gunn ran to his aid through intense fire and immediately got the one remaining anti-tank gun into action on the burning portee, himself sighting it whilst the sergeant acted as loader. He continued to fight the gun, firing between 40 and 50 rounds regardless alike of the enemy fire which was by then concentrated on this one vehicle and on the flames which might at any moment have reached the ammunition with which the portee was loaded. In spite of this, 2nd Lt Gunn's shooting was so accurate at a range of about 800 yards that at least two enemy tanks were hit and set on fire and others were damaged before he fell dead, having been shot through the forehead."
Comes with numerous photographs of Ross, some in uniform, some in civilian clothing and many in sports clothing.
a) Postcard size photo of Ross in uniform with beret (Khaki drill) receiving medal for third place.
b) Similar to above but in running gear. Reverse of photo is stamped by Italian photo agency from Genoa so this is probably of the Genoa games of 1946. It would appear that this is 500 m race.
c) Similar to above at the end of a race being clapped by British soldiers. It would appear that the runner up of this race was about 100m behind Ross. It also carries the Genoa stamp on the reverse.
d) Ross in running gear being cheered on by soldiers in uniform. Caption reads “Winning 1500 metres at 2 district Championships”
e) Large portrait taken in Christmas 1943 addressed to his “Darling Mattil”. The reverse carries the following caption: “I smile because I think of you, of all the things we used to do, so until the day we meet again, just try and keep your smile the same. D.”
f) Large photo in uniform with a caption on the reverse which describes the scene: “Receiving medal from American General, Milan 17 June 1945”.
g) Large photo in the uniform of Major RA with peaked cap and ribbons (including MC) taken in Milan probably in 1945. It would appear that this was taken just before the kick-off of a football match between two army formations.
h) Similar to above. Caption reads “Major Ross marked by cross”.
i) Taken a few moments after the above, being presented to the teams.
j) Large photo in uniform (Ross is cut off at the side of the photo). Show a man in rugby kit receiving a medal from a British Brigadier. The reverse stamp carries the Milan stamp so we can guess that this was at the same Milan games. It would appear that this was taken on the same day as the football match.
k) Photo of Ross, full length in running gear. Date and place unknown.
l) Photo of Ross in running gear. Caption on the reverse describes the scene: “Finishing the 1600 metres relay. Note 2nd person! District Championships.” The 2nd person is but a dot in the distance! Carries Genoa stamp.
m) Photo of rugby team. Ross is at the right of the back row. Carries Milan stamp but date and team unknown.
n) Photo of Ross warming up for a race. Carries Milan stamp.
o) Group photo of officers and men in uniform. Ross is centre middle row and is wearing ribbons. Seems to be taken in a sports ground.
p) Ross in uniform (Kharki drill) as Major. Meeting a football team before a game. Caption says “Milan 25 May 1946”
q) Ross with a Brigadier General and a Civilian meeting the football team. Similar to above
r) As above but large and a few moments later.
s) As above a few moments later.
t) Photo of Ross in a rugby team before a game. Ross is seated front row, second from the right. Crowd is mostly military personnel. Full stadium. Reverse stamped Milan.
u) Photo of Ross and his wife in civilian clothing at a dinner table drinking champagne. The reverse is stamped Cannes, France. Could this photo be pre-war? Ross looks younger than photos of him as Major.
v) Full length photo of Ross and his wife in civilian clothing. Both a lot older than above. Reverse is stamped by Portman Press Bureau Ltd. of Sloane Square, London.
[1] Robcol was made up of components withdrawing from the Gazala line. All units had been engaged for varying periods and with varying fortunes in the bitter fighting. 11th Regiment RA also formed part of this force. Waller was the CO and Howell CO of 11th Regiment RA.
Major D. G. Ross MC, Royal Horse Artillery
Military Cross (GVI) dated 1942, 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, War Medal.
Plus 23 (mostly named) medals for athletics - Silver "United Services Athletics" medal for Tripoli 1943, 6 silver and 3 bronze "International Track and Field Games" for Genoa 1945 (200, 400, 1500 meters, relay, cross country), Norway Gold Medal “Norrona Viking August 1947” on attractive ribbon, Silver gilt and enamel medal for Milan 1946, International 1600m, rugby tournament shield (x2), silver spoon for London Harriers Racing Club, patch of participation in the the “British Empire Vs. USA” games of 1952 etc.
David Gowers Ross came from Harwich, which is a busy coastal town and international port located on the estuary of the rivers Stour and Orwell in northeast Essex, England. The town is a historically important port which has provided a sheltered anchorage for shipping through the ages.
He was commissioned into the RA and given the army number 182093.
He was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery in action in July 1942, North Africa, an action which spelled the end to Rommel’s final offensive. At the time he was serving with 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery under Lieutenant Colonel J.A. Akroyd-Hunt which formed part of the 22nd (Light) Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division. His recommendation reads:
“On 3rd July 1942 2/ Lieut. Ross had a troop of A/T guns in action with “M” Battery RHA in the Wadi North of Pt. 64 on Ruweisat Ridge. The Battery was engaged by some MKIV tanks and had to withdraw.
One portee towing a 6-pdr. was hit and went on fire and a 15-cwt towing another 6-pdr. stuck in the soft sand. While the battery was withdrawing 2/Lt. Ross, who had just arrived up from the rear with some vehicles that had stuck during the advance, went straight forward 1000 (yards) under fire and got the gun which was stuck out of action and brought it back; he then went out a second time to the burning portee coming under 75mm and small arms fire in order to try to get the second gun back. He stayed there under heavy fire trying to recover the gun but finally had to give it up as the 6-pdr. ammunition started to explode. (The gun was recovered later in the day).”
His MC was approved by Montgomery (as Lieutenant General of the 8th Army) and Alexander (as General Commander-in-Chief, Middle East Forces) and was published in the London Gazette of Tuesday 22 September 1942 “... in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Middle East”.
The 3rd Battery, RHA had only just joined “Robcol”[1] on the day that Ross was awarded his Military Cross. During the first few days of July Robcol had, according to Brigadier R. P. Waller DSO MC and Lieutenant Colonel A. H. E. Howell DSO in their account “Who Stopped Rommel?” been instrumental in putting a stop to Rommels advance on Alexandria:
“They (11th Regiment RA – ed) held the Ridge till nightfall. Not alone – the men of the 1st/4th Essex were with them from the start; and in the late afternoon a seven-gun HAC Battery (all that they could muster out of 24, but invaluable support), while 22 Armoured Brigade and their accompanying RHA (3rd RHA – ed) came up to cover the left flank… In the gathering dusk the enemy made his last effort. It was broken, though tanks got for some critical minutes within a few yards of our forward guns, and as night fell Axis armour drew off and the battle died down… The damage inflicted on the enemy was not easy to assess, but it is probable that well over 20 tanks were disabled and certain that six were total wrecks. What mattered was that Rommel’s armour had reached its furthest forward point – and been decisively and finally stopped by the guns of the regiment. For though the battle was renewed the next day (3rd July was 78th/84th Battery’s day) and again the day after that, more troops had by then been collected and pushed up to the support of Robcol. The crisis had passed.”
Ten days later at the same location, Sergeant K. Elliot, 22nd Battalion, 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force was awarded the Victoria Cross. His citation reads:
“On 15 July 1942 at Ruweisat, Western Desert, Egypt, Sergeant Elliott, while leading his platoon in an attack under heavy machine-gun and mortar fire, was wounded in the chest. Nevertheless, he carried on and led his men in a bayonet charge which resulted in the capture of four enemy machine-gun posts and an anti-tank gun. Seven of the enemy were killed and 50 taken prisoner. In spite of his wounds Sergeant Elliott refused to leave his platoon until he had reformed them and handed over the prisoners, the number of which had by then increased to 130.”
Previously the regiment had won a Victoria Cross in the Western Desert and the similarities between Lieutenant Ross’ MC citation and Lieutenant Gunn’s VC citation can not be ignored. The noticeable difference being that Gunn did not survive the action:
2nd Lt. George Gunn (1912-1941)
2nd Lieutenant George Ward Gunn MC of the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, citation reads:
"On November 21st 1941, at Sidi Rezegh, 2nd Lt Gunn was in command of a troop of four anti-tank guns which was part of a battery of 12 guns attached to the Rifle Brigade Column. At ten o'clock a covering force of enemy tanks was engaged and driven off, but an hour later the main attack by about 60 enemy tanks developed, 2nd Lt Gunn drove from gun to gun during this period in an unarmoured vehicle encouraging his men and reorganising his dispositions as first one gun and then another were knocked out. Finally, only two guns remained in action and were subjected to very heavy fire. Immediately afterwards one of these guns was destroyed and the portee of the other was set on fire and all the crew killed or wounded except the sergeant, though the gun remained undamaged. The battery commander then arrived and began to fight the flames. When he saw this, 2nd Lt Gunn ran to his aid through intense fire and immediately got the one remaining anti-tank gun into action on the burning portee, himself sighting it whilst the sergeant acted as loader. He continued to fight the gun, firing between 40 and 50 rounds regardless alike of the enemy fire which was by then concentrated on this one vehicle and on the flames which might at any moment have reached the ammunition with which the portee was loaded. In spite of this, 2nd Lt Gunn's shooting was so accurate at a range of about 800 yards that at least two enemy tanks were hit and set on fire and others were damaged before he fell dead, having been shot through the forehead."
Comes with numerous photographs of Ross, some in uniform, some in civilian clothing and many in sports clothing.
a) Postcard size photo of Ross in uniform with beret (Khaki drill) receiving medal for third place.
b) Similar to above but in running gear. Reverse of photo is stamped by Italian photo agency from Genoa so this is probably of the Genoa games of 1946. It would appear that this is 500 m race.
c) Similar to above at the end of a race being clapped by British soldiers. It would appear that the runner up of this race was about 100m behind Ross. It also carries the Genoa stamp on the reverse.
d) Ross in running gear being cheered on by soldiers in uniform. Caption reads “Winning 1500 metres at 2 district Championships”
e) Large portrait taken in Christmas 1943 addressed to his “Darling Mattil”. The reverse carries the following caption: “I smile because I think of you, of all the things we used to do, so until the day we meet again, just try and keep your smile the same. D.”
f) Large photo in uniform with a caption on the reverse which describes the scene: “Receiving medal from American General, Milan 17 June 1945”.
g) Large photo in the uniform of Major RA with peaked cap and ribbons (including MC) taken in Milan probably in 1945. It would appear that this was taken just before the kick-off of a football match between two army formations.
h) Similar to above. Caption reads “Major Ross marked by cross”.
i) Taken a few moments after the above, being presented to the teams.
j) Large photo in uniform (Ross is cut off at the side of the photo). Show a man in rugby kit receiving a medal from a British Brigadier. The reverse stamp carries the Milan stamp so we can guess that this was at the same Milan games. It would appear that this was taken on the same day as the football match.
k) Photo of Ross, full length in running gear. Date and place unknown.
l) Photo of Ross in running gear. Caption on the reverse describes the scene: “Finishing the 1600 metres relay. Note 2nd person! District Championships.” The 2nd person is but a dot in the distance! Carries Genoa stamp.
m) Photo of rugby team. Ross is at the right of the back row. Carries Milan stamp but date and team unknown.
n) Photo of Ross warming up for a race. Carries Milan stamp.
o) Group photo of officers and men in uniform. Ross is centre middle row and is wearing ribbons. Seems to be taken in a sports ground.
p) Ross in uniform (Kharki drill) as Major. Meeting a football team before a game. Caption says “Milan 25 May 1946”
q) Ross with a Brigadier General and a Civilian meeting the football team. Similar to above
r) As above but large and a few moments later.
s) As above a few moments later.
t) Photo of Ross in a rugby team before a game. Ross is seated front row, second from the right. Crowd is mostly military personnel. Full stadium. Reverse stamped Milan.
u) Photo of Ross and his wife in civilian clothing at a dinner table drinking champagne. The reverse is stamped Cannes, France. Could this photo be pre-war? Ross looks younger than photos of him as Major.
v) Full length photo of Ross and his wife in civilian clothing. Both a lot older than above. Reverse is stamped by Portman Press Bureau Ltd. of Sloane Square, London.
[1] Robcol was made up of components withdrawing from the Gazala line. All units had been engaged for varying periods and with varying fortunes in the bitter fighting. 11th Regiment RA also formed part of this force. Waller was the CO and Howell CO of 11th Regiment RA.
Sunday, 1 July 2007
DCM (GV) - contd.
The DCM (GV) that I have had in my collection for many years is the following:
Lieutenant J. D. Hastie DCM, Royal Field Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (GV) (30685 BQMS J. D. Hastie 93 Bty. 18 Brg. RFA), 1914 Star [bar] (30685 BQMS J. D. Hastie 93 Bty. 18 Brg. RFA), British War Medal (2 Lieut. J. D. Hastie), Victory Medal [MID] (2 Lieut. J. D. Hastie)
Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant RFA 04.01.1918
John Dudley Hastie went to France on 27 September 1914 as Sergeant (30685) in the 18 Brigade RFA. He was awarded the DCM while a BQMS in the 93 Battery, 18 Brigade, RFA (possibly the battery that he arrived in France with) “… for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty in the field”. His citation appears in the London Gazette of 16 May 1916:
“For conspicuous gallantry. While his battery was under heavy shellfire, 2nd Lieutenant Campbell[1] and By. Qrmr.-Sgt. Hastie left shelter on their own initiative, and extinguished a fire in one of the gun pits which had been hit and in which the ammunition was ignited. They set a very fine example.”
He was was MID in Sir Douglas Haig’s Despatch of 7 November 1917 while Battery Sergeant Major (LG 14 December 1917 refers) as one of a list of “men deserving special mention”.
He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in January 1918 and promoted Lieutenant on 4 July 1919. Sometime between then and the end of December 1919 he reverted to the Reserve of Officers. According to his MIC he served with 5th Brigade RFA during the time he held a commission.
He retired with gratuity on 19 February 1920 as Lieutenant RFA.
His MIC confirms that his 1914 Star and bar trio was issued to him in November 1920.
[1] Lieutenant Campbell who is mentioned in Hastie's citation was 2nd Lieutenant Roland John Campbell, 59th Battery, 18th Brigade, RFA. His MC citation, except for the name, is exactly the same as Hastie's and was gazetted on the same date as Hastie's DCM.
Lieutenant J. D. Hastie DCM, Royal Field Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (GV) (30685 BQMS J. D. Hastie 93 Bty. 18 Brg. RFA), 1914 Star [bar] (30685 BQMS J. D. Hastie 93 Bty. 18 Brg. RFA), British War Medal (2 Lieut. J. D. Hastie), Victory Medal [MID] (2 Lieut. J. D. Hastie)
Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant RFA 04.01.1918
John Dudley Hastie went to France on 27 September 1914 as Sergeant (30685) in the 18 Brigade RFA. He was awarded the DCM while a BQMS in the 93 Battery, 18 Brigade, RFA (possibly the battery that he arrived in France with) “… for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty in the field”. His citation appears in the London Gazette of 16 May 1916:
“For conspicuous gallantry. While his battery was under heavy shellfire, 2nd Lieutenant Campbell[1] and By. Qrmr.-Sgt. Hastie left shelter on their own initiative, and extinguished a fire in one of the gun pits which had been hit and in which the ammunition was ignited. They set a very fine example.”
He was was MID in Sir Douglas Haig’s Despatch of 7 November 1917 while Battery Sergeant Major (LG 14 December 1917 refers) as one of a list of “men deserving special mention”.
He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in January 1918 and promoted Lieutenant on 4 July 1919. Sometime between then and the end of December 1919 he reverted to the Reserve of Officers. According to his MIC he served with 5th Brigade RFA during the time he held a commission.
He retired with gratuity on 19 February 1920 as Lieutenant RFA.
His MIC confirms that his 1914 Star and bar trio was issued to him in November 1920.
[1] Lieutenant Campbell who is mentioned in Hastie's citation was 2nd Lieutenant Roland John Campbell, 59th Battery, 18th Brigade, RFA. His MC citation, except for the name, is exactly the same as Hastie's and was gazetted on the same date as Hastie's DCM.
DCM (GV) to men who were later commissioned
For many years I only owned one Distinguished Conduct Medal (GV) but since December 2006 I have acquired a further two:
1) Lieutenant J. N. Lyons DCM, Royal Canadian Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (GV) (1261949 SJT.J.N. LYONS. 6/ SGE. BY: CAN.G.A.)
With a Royal Canadian Legion President's Medal Name inscribed and dated 1944 to “J.A. Lyons Bridgewater, N.S.”
James Norbert Lyons was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada on 24/2/1885 and was a Civil Engineer by profession when he attested in November 1915. He is entitled to the 1915 trio.
His Citation L.G. 04/17/18 : "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on many occasions. On one occasion, when his detachment came under heavy fire, and several casualties occured, including his officer, he completed his task with great courage and resource, afterwards tending the wounded, and organizing stretcher parties while still under fire"
Commissioned Lieutenant on 13 August 1918 notification of which was published in the London Gazette Issue 30882 published on the 3 September 1918. Page 9 of 14
OVERSEA FORCES CANADA Can. Art.
The undermentioned to be temp. Lts.: —
13 Aug. 1918. No. 1261949 Serjt. J. N. Lyons.
2) Lieutenant F. W. Bailey DCM, Royal Garrison Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (33990 A/ Corp. F. W. Bailey R.G.A.)
Frederick Walter Bailey was entitled to the 1914 Star and bar trio and Silver Would Badge.
The London Gazette Citation dated 3rd June 1915 states, "For gallantry on the 18th January 1915 near Rue du Bois in continuing to work the telephone after a wall had been blown in beside him. Was brought to notice on several occasions previously for gallantry in mending the telephone line whilst under fire".
He retired on 27 November 1919 on account of ill-health caused by wounds receiving a gratuity.
1) Lieutenant J. N. Lyons DCM, Royal Canadian Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (GV) (1261949 SJT.J.N. LYONS. 6/ SGE. BY: CAN.G.A.)
With a Royal Canadian Legion President's Medal Name inscribed and dated 1944 to “J.A. Lyons Bridgewater, N.S.”
James Norbert Lyons was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada on 24/2/1885 and was a Civil Engineer by profession when he attested in November 1915. He is entitled to the 1915 trio.
His Citation L.G. 04/17/18 : "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on many occasions. On one occasion, when his detachment came under heavy fire, and several casualties occured, including his officer, he completed his task with great courage and resource, afterwards tending the wounded, and organizing stretcher parties while still under fire"
Commissioned Lieutenant on 13 August 1918 notification of which was published in the London Gazette Issue 30882 published on the 3 September 1918. Page 9 of 14
OVERSEA FORCES CANADA Can. Art.
The undermentioned to be temp. Lts.: —
13 Aug. 1918. No. 1261949 Serjt. J. N. Lyons.
2) Lieutenant F. W. Bailey DCM, Royal Garrison Artillery
Distinguished Conduct Medal (33990 A/ Corp. F. W. Bailey R.G.A.)
Frederick Walter Bailey was entitled to the 1914 Star and bar trio and Silver Would Badge.
The London Gazette Citation dated 3rd June 1915 states, "For gallantry on the 18th January 1915 near Rue du Bois in continuing to work the telephone after a wall had been blown in beside him. Was brought to notice on several occasions previously for gallantry in mending the telephone line whilst under fire".
He retired on 27 November 1919 on account of ill-health caused by wounds receiving a gratuity.
Brigadier R. H. Purvis CBE, HAC and RA
A couple of months ago I purchased an interesting Efficiency Medal group as follows:
1939-45 Star, Africa Star [1st Army], Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal [MID], Efficiency Medal (Territorial) with HAC ribbon (Capt. R. H. Purvis HAC).
It is the first group in my collection that correctly has the HAC medal on it.
The group was unresearched and I have been able to find that Richard Hopkins Purvis reached the rank of Brigadier, was created MBE in the New Years Honours of 1955 as
"Major (temporary) (now Captain) Richard Hopkins PURVIS (137112), Royal Regiment of Artillery" and created CBE in the Birthday Honours of 1975 as "Brigadier Richard Hopkins PURVIS, M.B.E. (137112), late Royal Regiment of Artillery."
One of my targets with all my medals is to find a photograph of the recipient and with Purvis I have been very lucky as I have found a small photo of him.
1939-45 Star, Africa Star [1st Army], Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal [MID], Efficiency Medal (Territorial) with HAC ribbon (Capt. R. H. Purvis HAC).
It is the first group in my collection that correctly has the HAC medal on it.
The group was unresearched and I have been able to find that Richard Hopkins Purvis reached the rank of Brigadier, was created MBE in the New Years Honours of 1955 as
"Major (temporary) (now Captain) Richard Hopkins PURVIS (137112), Royal Regiment of Artillery" and created CBE in the Birthday Honours of 1975 as "Brigadier Richard Hopkins PURVIS, M.B.E. (137112), late Royal Regiment of Artillery."
One of my targets with all my medals is to find a photograph of the recipient and with Purvis I have been very lucky as I have found a small photo of him.
Saturday, 19 May 2007
MC - recommendation
There is no recommendation for the MC. If it existed it should have been in WO 373/15 however it isn't there, and there are no other available citations in that time period.
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Archivist comes up trumps!
Haileybury archivist has been able to find not one but two photos of Metcalfe as well as the following information:
Nigel William Metcalfe was born in on 25 September 1909 the son of H. W. Metcalfe of Hardingham Grove, Nr. Attleborough. He was educated by H. F. H. Caldwell of Boxgrove School, Camberley, Guildford, Surrey, UK and Haileybury from the third term of 1923 to the third term of 1927.
Haileybury archivist was able to piece together the following on his school career:
Won a Form Prize 1924.2
Played in all of the Colt’s rugby matches, 1924.3
Played in house cricket team 1925.2
Played in house rugby team 1925.3
Played in house cricket team 1926.2 (awarded house tie)
XXX colours 1926.3 (he played in the first two XV matches)
Played in house rugby team 1926.3
House prefect from 14 March 1927
Played on Big Side for Hockey 1927.1
Lance Corporal in Haileybury O.T.C. 1927.1
Corporal in Haileybury O.T.C. 1927.2
Played in house cricket team 1927.2
Played in house rugby team (captain) 1927.3
XV colours, 1927.3
Sergeant in Haileybury O.T.C. 1927.3
Elected as a member of the Senior Literary and Debating Society in 1927.3
Died at Folkstone, 11 February 1974
I am really chuffed with this information, as you can imagine.
Nigel William Metcalfe was born in on 25 September 1909 the son of H. W. Metcalfe of Hardingham Grove, Nr. Attleborough. He was educated by H. F. H. Caldwell of Boxgrove School, Camberley, Guildford, Surrey, UK and Haileybury from the third term of 1923 to the third term of 1927.
Haileybury archivist was able to piece together the following on his school career:
Won a Form Prize 1924.2
Played in all of the Colt’s rugby matches, 1924.3
Played in house cricket team 1925.2
Played in house rugby team 1925.3
Played in house cricket team 1926.2 (awarded house tie)
XXX colours 1926.3 (he played in the first two XV matches)
Played in house rugby team 1926.3
House prefect from 14 March 1927
Played on Big Side for Hockey 1927.1
Lance Corporal in Haileybury O.T.C. 1927.1
Corporal in Haileybury O.T.C. 1927.2
Played in house cricket team 1927.2
Played in house rugby team (captain) 1927.3
XV colours, 1927.3
Sergeant in Haileybury O.T.C. 1927.3
Elected as a member of the Senior Literary and Debating Society in 1927.3
Died at Folkstone, 11 February 1974
I am really chuffed with this information, as you can imagine.
Friday, 18 May 2007
Metcalfe - Coronation medal confirmed
No sooner as I had published that last post when I was able to confirm the issue of the Coronation 1953 medal to him as "Lieut. Col. N. W. Metcalfe MC (44116) RA", so that was a bit of good news.
Also, I had an email exchange from the Archivist at Haileybury who tells me that he posted some research on Metcalfe's time in the school on Tuesday so it should be here any day now.
Also, I had an email exchange from the Archivist at Haileybury who tells me that he posted some research on Metcalfe's time in the school on Tuesday so it should be here any day now.
Metcalfe MC* (GVI)
Medal group: Military Cross (GVI) and second award bar, 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, General Service Medal (GVI) [Malaya] (Major N. W. Metcalfe R. A.), Coronation Medal 1953
I have owned the group to Lieutenant Colonel Nigel William Metcalfe Royal Artillery for several months.
Metcalfe was awarded the Military Cross (GVI) during the retreat to Dunkirk in 1940. He was awarded a bar to his MC in September 1942 with the following citation:
“On 1st July 1942 the defended locality held by 218 Ind Inf Bde was heavily attacked by an enemy force of tanks and infantry. A certain number of tanks penetrated the minefield and some were approaching one of the Inf Bns B Ech areas where a 2 pdr gun on a portee was in position under a Sjt of 68 A.Tk Bty. Major Metcalfe M.C. Comd 68 A.Tk Bty, hearing of the presence of these tanks at once came forward with a 6 pdr and after a recce reported eight German tanks and ordered both the 2 pdr and 6 pdr into action. He fired the 2 pdr himself with an other rank to spot for him. After firing a few rounds the 2 pdr received a direct hit and burst into flames and Major Metcalfe was thrown off the portee by the explosion. The tanks had obviously spotted the guns and were firing at them very accurately. Though very badly burnt on both legs Major Metcalfe brought the 6 pdr gun back into the Bde HQ and after having his legs bandaged returned to the ridge above Bde HQ and continued to direct the fire of his Troop stationed there knocking out at least two tanks. His courage and devotion to duty were of a very high order and the manner in which he carried on though suffering intense pain from his burns was an inspiration to all. Throughout the day this officer was continually on the move under heavy shell fire encouraging and controlling the guns under his command.”
This date was the beginning of the German assault against the Allied positions at El Alamein.
I have owned the group to Lieutenant Colonel Nigel William Metcalfe Royal Artillery for several months.
Metcalfe was awarded the Military Cross (GVI) during the retreat to Dunkirk in 1940. He was awarded a bar to his MC in September 1942 with the following citation:
“On 1st July 1942 the defended locality held by 218 Ind Inf Bde was heavily attacked by an enemy force of tanks and infantry. A certain number of tanks penetrated the minefield and some were approaching one of the Inf Bns B Ech areas where a 2 pdr gun on a portee was in position under a Sjt of 68 A.Tk Bty. Major Metcalfe M.C. Comd 68 A.Tk Bty, hearing of the presence of these tanks at once came forward with a 6 pdr and after a recce reported eight German tanks and ordered both the 2 pdr and 6 pdr into action. He fired the 2 pdr himself with an other rank to spot for him. After firing a few rounds the 2 pdr received a direct hit and burst into flames and Major Metcalfe was thrown off the portee by the explosion. The tanks had obviously spotted the guns and were firing at them very accurately. Though very badly burnt on both legs Major Metcalfe brought the 6 pdr gun back into the Bde HQ and after having his legs bandaged returned to the ridge above Bde HQ and continued to direct the fire of his Troop stationed there knocking out at least two tanks. His courage and devotion to duty were of a very high order and the manner in which he carried on though suffering intense pain from his burns was an inspiration to all. Throughout the day this officer was continually on the move under heavy shell fire encouraging and controlling the guns under his command.”
This date was the beginning of the German assault against the Allied positions at El Alamein.
Genesis
I thought that it would be interesting to have a blog to track and to share orders, decorations and medals in my collection. I collect ODMs to officers of the artillery (all branches all eras).
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