Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second World War ‘Arakan’ O.B.E. and ‘Burma’ Immediate M.C. group of nine awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel T. C. C. Lewin, 5th King’s African Rifles

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge; Military Cross, G.VI.R. reverse officially dated 1945; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Kenya (Lt.-Col. T. C. C. Lewin (O,B,E,) (M,C,)) with named card box of issue; Efficiency Medal, Kenya, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (Lt. Col. T. C. C. Lewin) mounted as worn together with mounted group of eight miniature medals (lacking A.G.S.) and various ribbon bars, good very fine (17) £1800-2200

M.C. London Gazette 22 March 1945,

The original recommendation for an Immediate D.S.O. states: ‘For conspicuous leadership and gallantry in the Field. Major Lewin commanded 5 KAR in an attack on HILL 3069 near LETZAGON on 22 Oct 44. The enemy were firmly entrenched on a commanding feature and Major Lewin had no artillery. But by skilful planning and determined leadership supported by the gallantry of his officers and men the enemy position was stormed by a combination of mortar, grenade and bayonet. Well thought out positioning of his small reserve enabled Major Lewin to go on to capture a subsidiary position not previously located, and by nightfall the enemy were either killed or had fled. The success of this well conducted operation has had an important influence on the operations conducted by the Division as a whole.’

O.B.E. London Gazette 6 June 1946.

The original recommendation states: ‘During the period under review 16 May-15 Aug 45, Lt. Col. T. C. C. Lewin has been Commanding Officer of the 5 (K) Bn KAR, Div Recce Bn, and has carried out his duties in a most exemplary manner. By his energy and drive he has kept his Bn at the highest possible pitch. During operations in ARAKAN, Lt Col Lewin was with the Div Scouts under the 81 (WA) Division and was present with two Companies when the Japanese attacked PAGODA HILL. Although greatly out-gunned and under very heavy mortar fire, Lt Col Lewin kept control of these two Companies and managed to extricate them under very difficult conditions. His devotion to duty and his complete disregard of his own personal safety had a very great effect on the morale of the unit. He displayed the highest qualities of command and leadership under fire.’

M.I.D. London Gazettes 30 December 1941 (Middle East) and 30 June 1942 (Middle East).

Thomas Chippindall Colquitt Lewin is mentioned several time in the regimental history of the King’s African Rifles by Moyes-Bartlett, including the crossing of the Awash and advance to and occupation of Addis Ababa in 1941, the campaign in Madagascar in 1942, and the campaign in Burma with 11 (E.A.) Division in 1944-45. ‘Letzagon’ was the principal action fought by 5 K.A.R. in Burma. It cost the battalion four officers wounded, 14 African ranks killed or died of wounds, and 79 Africans wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Lewin was awarded the M.C. and Sergeant Bull the M.M. after this action. Sold with copied recommendations and extracts from the regimental history.