Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 839

A 'Fall of El Mechili 1941' group of four awarded to Bombardier, F. G. Tulett, 2nd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, who was taken prisoner of war in the action just prior to the Siege of Tobruk on 8 April 1941, having previously escaped capture at Dunkirk

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., Regular Army, G.VI.R. (6082333 Gnr. F. G. Tulett. R.A.), minor pitting, very fine (4)

Frederick George Tulett was born at Godalming, Surrey on 21 February 1907 the son of Alia Tulett of 49 Shackstead Road, Godalming. Entering service with the Royal Artillery before the war Tulett was married and a father by the outbreak of the Second World War. Posted to the 1st Battery, 2nd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment he saw action during the Fall of France 1940.

Tulett was present at Dunkirk- where anti-aircraft guns were sorely needed- and managed to join the evacuation rather than being taken prisoner. Having escaped to Britain Tulett was again sent overseas, this time to join the war in North Africa. He was taken prisoner during the German Offensive in spring 1941, his capture occurring on the day of the Fall of El Mechili. The D.A.K. war diary for that day notes the capture of 'One English General [Major-General Gambier Parry], 60 officers, and about 1,700 men'.

Taken first to Sulamno Camp in Italy he was later transferred to Germany, being interned at Stalag 4F, Saxony. During this period Tulett was severely mistreated, by the time of his repatriation he was malnourished and required hospital care at Epsom. The Surrey Advertiser and County Times reported

'He told his aunt, Mrs, Barnes, of Shackstead Road, Godalming, who visited him in hospital, that, when in captivity in Italy, a fellow prisoner gave away a gold watch in return for a drink of water.'

Returning to his family at Wells on Sea; it is perhaps unsurprising- given his ordeal- that Tulett did not live for much longer, dying in 1955 at the age of only 48; sold together with copied research including census data, Prisoner of War lists and newspaper extracts as well as information relating to the encirclement of Tobruk and an extract of the D.A.K. War Diary for 8 April 1941.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£85

Starting price
£80