The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria

Five: Lieutenant-Colonel B. A. Thompson, Middlesex Regiment, late West Yorkshire Regiment

Ashanti Star 1896 (2nd. Lt. B. A. Thompson 2. W. Yorks R.) reverse inscribed in the usual Regimental style; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (Capt. B. A. Thompson, Middx. Rgt.); 1914 Star, with clasp (Major B. A. Thompson. Midd’x R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lt. Col. B. A. Thompson.) traces of verdigris to first, edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine (5) £1,000-£1,400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria.

View
Collection

Bernard Anthony Thompson was born on 14 October 1875, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the West Yorkshire Regiment on 6 March 1895. He served with the 2nd Battalion during the Ashanti campaign, and was promoted Lieutenant on 28 May 1898. He transferred as a Captain to the Middlesex Regiment on 12 October 1901, and served with the 3rd Battalion in St. Helena, guarding Boer prisoners of War. Appointed Adjutant of the 6th Battalion (Special Reserve) on 22 December 1910, he was promoted Major on 4 September 1914.

Thompson served with the 2nd Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front from 7 November 1914 , and was wounded at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle on 11 March 1915, where the Battalion suffered 8 officers and 70 other ranks killed, 8 officers and 299 other ranks wounded, and 89 missing. “A”, “B”, and “C” Companies were almost completely wiped-out. Evacuated home, Thompson was specially employed at the War Office for the first eight months of 1916, before returning to France on 1 October 1916. Promoted Acting Lieutenant-Colonel on 22 December 1916, he was given the command of the 16th (Public Schools) Battalion on 21 February 1917.

Following the cessation of hostilities Thompson transferred to the Reserve of Officers and served as Military Advisor to the Sultan of Johore. He retired on 7 November 1923, and was granted the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.