Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Second War ‘Burma’ operations O.B.E., Korean War United States of America Bronze Star group of nine awarded to Lieutenant Colonel R. C. W. Thomas, Royal West Kent Regiment, who was twice Mentioned in Despatches

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Palestine, S.E. Asia 1945-46 (Lieut. R. C. W. Thomas. R. W. Kent. R.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Korea 1950-53, 1st issue, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Major. R. C. W. Thomas. O.B.E. R.W.K.); U.N. Korea 1950-54, unnamed as issued; United States of America, Bronze Star, the reverse unofficially engraved ‘R.C.W.T.’, mounted court-style, minor contact wear, good very fine or better (9) £1,200-£1,600

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

The original recommendation states: ‘This officer has been in charge of No 26 Group Movement Central affiliated since March 1945 to Headquarters 505 District. No. 26 Group Movement Central has since been responsible for the co-ordination of road, rail, and water movement of personnel throughout Central Burma, an area roughly representing the size of England. Taking over Central Burma in the wake of the advancing Fourteenth Army in March 1945, 505 District inevitably found communications, and all facilities for effecting movement of units, personnel, and stores everywhere difficult and in some cases practically non existent. At the same time in support of further operations 505 District was required to move southward an extremely heavy traffic of all natures by means of the indifferent facilities existing. That this movement of traffic was achieved successfully and expeditiously, represents an outstanding performance for which Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas has been largely responsible. Only as a result of this Officer’s organising ability, unremitting energy, tact and devotion to duty was it indeed possible. His work and the results achieved has been much above the standard ordinarily to be expected , throughout the entire period under review, 16 May to 15 August 1945.’

United States of America Bronze Star London Gazette 30 October 1953.
Awarded 18 March 1953 ‘For Meritorious Achievements in Ground Operations Against the Enemy; Korea, 28 July 1951 to 15 November 1952’

The original recommendation states: ‘Major Robert C. W. Thomas, O.B.E., Infantry, British Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service as operations Officer, G3 Section, 1st Commonwealth Division, in Korea, From 28 July 1951 to 15 November 1952. He demonstrated a thorough understanding and keen appreciation of Staff functions in organising and supervising the operations of the 1st Commonwealth Division. He closely co-ordinated and directed the operations of five Commonwealth Nations moulding them into a unified, strong and effective fighting force, capable of successfully meeting an enemy of superior strength, and of capturing and holding assigned objectives in the Division zone of action. His careful study and detailed planning of Division operations contributed immeasurably to the successful accomplishment of combat missions. Through his zealous and tireless efforts he established a high standard of achievement for members of the Division making a distinct contribution to the success of the Commonwealth Division, reflecting great credit upon himself and the military service.’

Robert Cyril Wolferson Thomas was commissioned into the Royal West Kent Regiment, and served with them in pre-War Palestine, and then during the Second World War in Burma, for which services he was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 19 September 1946), and appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. He saw further service in Korea, as an Operations Officer, and was again Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 10 October 1952), and received the United States Bronze Star, one of only 130 members of the Commonwealth Forces to be awarded the Bronze Star for the Korean War.

Thomas was also the author of at least two books: ‘The War in Korea: 1950-53: a Military Study’ published in 1962, and ‘Fighting Talk; A collection, some humorous, some serious, of military facts, stories, anecdotes and oddities’ published in 1987.

Sold with a scrapbook album, contain the original Bestowal Document for the O.B.E.; the recipient’s two Mention in Despatches Certificates; the Bestowal Document for the Bronze Star; and a number of photographs of the recipient’s service career 1937-53, including some good examples from Korea.