Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A post-War ‘Malaya operations’ G.M. group of three awarded to Police Lieutenant T. A. Charlton, Federation of Malaya Police, late Palestine Police, for his gallantry during a police and military raid on a well defended bandit camp containing several important bandit leaders in the Muar Circle, Johore, in 1950; he was later killed during a terrorist ambush at Penggarang, South Johore, on 5 May 1954

George Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (Thomas Albert Charlton) in Royal Mint case of issue; General Service 1918-62, 2 clasps, Palestine 1945-48, Malaya, second clasp loose as issued (178 B/Const. T. A. Charlton. Pal. Police.); Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued, about extremely fine (3) £4,000-£6,000

G.M. London Gazette 24 April 1951: Thomas Albert Charlton, Police Lieutenant, Federation of Malaya Police Force.
‘A well defended bandit camp which contained several important bandit leaders was located in the Muar Circle and an operation was launched against it with a Police jungle squad under Police Lieutenant Charlton and one military platoon.
The operation involved a difficult approach march through deep swamp and when the attack was made bandit reaction was immediate and fierce. The small military and police force was quickly surrounded by a much larger number of the enemy armed with automatic weapons. The platoon commander and leading men became casualties in the first few minutes and the remainder were pinned to the ground by enemy fire.
On realising that the platoon commander was a casualty and the remainder of the platoon was in dire need of assistance, Police Lieutenant Charlton moved in from reserve under heavy fire and brought the men into action most effectively. Showing complete disregard of his personal safety and under still heavier fire he then moved up to the platoon commander and assisted the platoon sergeant in carrying out the commander’s instructions. He remained in action with the platoon for the next three hours during which time he displayed the highest qualities of personal courage, determination and leadership.
The conduct of Police Lieutenant Charlton was an inspiration to all ranks of the military and police force.’

Thomas Albert Charlton joined the Federation of Malay Police as a European sergeant on 2 September 1948, having previously served as a British Constable with the Palestine Police, and was appointed a Police Lieutenant on 1 August 1950. He was awarded the George Medal for his gallantry when assisting the 1st Battalion, Cameronians, in cleaning out a bandit camp near Muar in 1950 - when the British officer and some men were surrounded by a strong force of bandits, Charlton brought a Bren gun group to their assistance through heavy fire from Communists in the jungle and snipers in tree tops.

Charlton served as part of the Federation of Malay Police’s Coronation Contingent at the Coronation of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Returning to Malaya, he was killed during a terrorist ambush at Penggrang, South Johore, on 5 May 1954. The following report from the High Commissioner stated: ‘At about 1:10 p.m., or 5th May, 1954, in the Penggerang District of Johore a Police “Landrover” in which Police Lieutenant T. A. Charlton, G.M., and six special constables were travelling was ambushed by some fifteen to twenty communist terrorists.
The police party had been attached to a Special Operational Volunteer Force Platoon and had finished an operational patrol during the previous evening. They were proceeding to Penggerang from Sungei Bantu for the purpose of re-kitting and resting.
The first burst of Fire from the communist terrorists wounded the driver of the Police “Landrover” upon which Police Lieutenant Charlton and the Special Constables alighted from the vehicle to take cover. Two hand-grenades were then thrown by the communist terrorists, one of which exploded and killed Police Lieutenant Charlton instantaneously. The other hand-grenade did not explode.
During the enragement three special constables were killed and three others were wounded.’

Charlton is buried in Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore.

Sold with the following related items:
i) The recipient’s Federation of Malaya Police Swagger Stick used at the Coronation in 1953, with silver top roundall and silver label inscribed ‘Lieut. T. A. Charlton, G.M., Coronation 1953’
ii) A Souvenir booklet of the Commonwealth and Empire Contingents at the Coronation, containing a nominal roll in which the recipient is listed
iii) A copy of the book ‘Operation Sharp End, Smashing Terrorism in Malaya 1948-58’, edited by Brian Stewart, C.M.G., in which the recipient’s George Cross citation is published
iv) A metal plaque inscribed ‘George Medal awarded to Police Lieut. T. A. Charlton, April 1951 (Malay Police Force). Killed in ambush by Terrorists, 5th May 1954’
v) Various photographs and photographic images of the recipient and his grave; and copied research.