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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 506

Pair: Major T. C. Manders, 16th (Public Schools) Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, later British Honduras Defence Force, who was captured and taken Prisoner of War on 27 May 1918

British War and Victory Medals (Capt. T. C. Manders.), good very fine (2)

Thomas Cyril Manders was born in Farnham, Surrey, and was educated at Marlborough College, being a Corporal in the Cadet Corps, before embarking on a career as a merchant in India. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the 16th (Public Schools) Battalion, Middlesex Regiment on 17 May 1915, and was promoted Captain in July 1916. He was captured - and wounded in the right arm - and was taken a Prisoner of War on 27 May 1918, whilst attached to 'C' Company, 2nd Battalion at Chemin des Dames. His debrief, after repatriation on 6 December 1918, gives a remarkable account of the action. It seems Manders was cut off with some 10 other ranks, getting their Lewis Gun into action, enabling the rest of their Platoon to withdraw. Now just three men, together with his Sergeant-Major and Company runner, set up and '...old T head and opened fire on the enemy. We killed the majority [of the 20 who approached] and my revolver was twice emptied, most of the bullets finding an excellent billet, including one German Officer.'

Further withdrawing through a wood, the gallant trio were surrounded but Manders was knocked down, further dislocating his shoulder, being left for dead. He began to attempt to crawl back to friendly lines but was jumped by three enemy and had to 'surrender quietly'.

Relinquishing his commission in February 1920, he was appointed a District Commissioner at El Cayo in British Honduras (Belize). Thus Manders also held an appointment in the territory’s Defence Force. From April 1928, he was Major in Command of the British Honduras Defence Force, perhaps taking them over to England for the 1937 Coronation. The Times of 1 June 1938 reported his death as a result of a gun shot wound.

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Sold for
£100

Starting price
£60