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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 650

Pair: Trooper, J. A. Bibby, 5th Dragoon Guards

Korea 1950-53 (22305334 Tpr. J. A. Bibby. 5 D.G.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, with the box of issue for the second, good very fine (2)

John Arthur Bibby was born in Woolwich on 27 August 1931, his father Frederick Bibby had served in the Royal Garrison Artillery Band during WW1. On 29 September 1951 after enlisting into 5th Dragoon Guards, John Arthur Bibby married Helga Minna Augusta Weber in the Woolwich Registry Office. They only enjoyed a brief honeymoon however as he sailed for Korea with his Regiment in November and arrived in Pusan in December 1951. In Korea, Bibby served in B Squadron which on 2 July 1952 supported the attack by 1st Bn Royal Australian on Hill 227. It was a hard-fought battle in which 1st RAR lost 3 killed and 34 wounded.

On 18 November 1952, B Squadron was the only 5th Dragoon Guards Squadron committed to support the Black Watch for the Second Battle for 'The Hook'. Initially the Black Watch held their positions but were gradually forced back by an over whelming Chinese attack. But, Colonel Rose, Commanding Officer of the Black Watch, launched a determined counter attack and supported by the Centurion tanks of B Squadron, successfully drove the Chinese off the Hill. One tank was hit by a rocket launcher and the driver wounded but was able to continue to fire its 20 Pounder gun and Browning Machine Gun at very close range.

In December 1952, the Regiment was posted to the Suez Canal Zone and, although a Question was asked in Parliament as to "Why after a year in Korea the Regiment was posted to a Station where there was no opportunity of seeing their Families", no change was made and Helga was unable to join her husband. After his release from Army, John together with Helga and their four children emigrated to Australia and settled in Loganlea, Brisbane, Queensland. John died in the Mount Olivet Hospital, Brisbane on 30 August 1977 and Helga died in October 2007; sold together with the nominal roll of all 5th Dragoon Guards Officers and soliders who served in Korea including attached REME, Royal Signals and ACC plus Roll of Honour as well as marriage notification.

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Sold for
£150

Starting price
£100