A Second World War Western Desert MC group of eight to Major Tom Pringle Wilson

A Second World War Western Desert MC group of eight to Major Tom Pringle Wilson, Royal Fusiliers, later appointed to SOE, seeing service in the Balkans; Military Cross, GVI, (1941), 1939-45, Africa, Italy and France and Germany Stars, Defence and War Medals, Coronation Medal, 1937 (Corpl. T. P. Wilson, R.M.C.). Display mounted in glazed frame, extremely fine. (8)

Sold with: Commission Certificate, 26th August, 1937 (2nd Lieutenant, Land Forces).

Mailing Box for service medals.

Commendation card for M.C., signed by General Archibald P. Wavell, C-in-C, Middle East; with covering letter.

Tom Pringle Wilson (7th September 1916 - 28th July 1945), like his father, educated at Wellington College and R.M.C. Sandhurst then commissioned into the Royal Fusiliers. Posted to India (the third generation of the family to be so posted), then, on the outbreak of war to Egypt. Fought and was severely wounded at the Battle of Sidi Barrani, there winning the Military Cross and escaping from capture by the French. Moved from Egypt to Sudan, Palestine, Iraq and Syria. Recruited by SOE in August 1943 as T/Captain, with responsibility for Yugoslavia; much of 1944 spent in Eastern Bosnia; present at the meeting of Tito and Konstantin "Kosta" Nadj, 19 September, 1944. Posted to East Lancashire Regiment, 22 December, 1944 and wounded 11 February, 1945. Died as the result of a shooting accident.

Military Cross. London Gazette, 22 April, 1941. The Commendation reads, ""for initiative and courage in action near Sidi Barrani on 9th December 1940…". The recommendation was put forward by Major H C Partridge and signed by General Archibald P Wavell C-in-C Middle East, 3 February, 1941, "Headed 6th Indian Infantry Brigade - 4th Indian Division, Western Desert Force. Lieut (Acting Captain) Tom Pringle Wilson. Action - 9 December, 1940 at Tummar West, Western Desert: Captain Wilson was in command of the carrier platoon. He assisted a squadron of "I" Tanks (ie Matilda Mk 1. or Infantry tank) in the capture of the first half of the TUMMAR WEST CAMP. After this first objective was successfully captured by the Royal Fusiliers, he found a company of the 3/1st Punjab Regiment was unable to advance owing to heavy fire from a strong point. He took his own carrier and two other carriers forward and attacked this position and by his action considerably aided the capture of the second half of the objective. Captain WILSON was severely wounded and all the crews of these three carriers, except 6 (?) men were killed or wounded. Captain WILSON showed great personal bravery and initiative throughout the attack."

The group of medals to his father, Lt. Col. Percy Norton Whitestone Wilson, are offered in the next lot.