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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 672

(x) A 'Burma 1942' O.B.E. group of eight awarded to Brigadier W. G. M. Thompson, Indian Armoured Corps, late 19th Lancers, who also earned a 'mention' in the Middle East before having a D.S.O. downgraded to an O.B.E.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd Type, Military Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, silver-gilt; British War Medal 1914-20 (Lt. W. G. M. Thompson); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, Afghanistan N.W.F. 1919 (Capt. W. G. M. Thompson 18 Lancers); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; War and India Service Medal 1939-45, overall very fine (8)

O.B.E. London Gazette 28 October 1942, the official recommendation states:

'This officer has given me the greatest assistance during operations. He has had to overcome every kind of administrative difficulty; that he did so was due to his energy and determination not to be beaten. The latter communicated itself to his subordinates and the administrative services, with the result that all administrative work was carried out invariably with energy and determination and without fuss.

He has shown himself imperturbable under fire on many occasions and has set an example in this respect to all ranks. Throughout the campaign, however critical the situation, he remained unruffled and invariably cheerful.

The award for which he is recommended has been more than earned for the praiseworthy and efficient manner in which he has handled the many administrative problems and thus helped in no small measure to maintain the morale of the Div throughout its withdrawal.

I strongly recommend him for the D.S.O.'

M.I.D. London Gazette 30 December 1941.

William Gerald Murray Thompson was born on 30 October 1899 in Edinburgh. He was a gentleman cadet from the Cadet College Quetta when he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant to the Unattached List, Indian Army on 4 March 1919, later serving in the 19th Lancers. Remaining in the army he served in the Second World War and was mentioned in despatches for the Middle East in 1941 whilst serving with the Fourth Indian Division when they defied Rommel at a critical period during the war.

Thompson was recommended for the D.S.O. for his service during the withdrawal from Burma in 1942 and subsequently awarded the O.B.E. Retiring from the Army in September 1947, he was elevated to Brigadier in February 1948. Thompson died in Weymouth on 2 February 1985.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£520

Starting price
£210