Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Major A. R. Timbrell, West Yorkshire Regiment, who was Mentioned in Despatches for Eritrea, and was killed in action during the disastrous 5th Libyan campaign at the ‘Knightsbridge Cauldron’ on 5 June 1942

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (2/Lieut. A. R. Timbrell. W. York. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, light contact marks, nearly extremely fine (5) £500-£700

M.I.D. London Gazette 30 December 1941:
‘In recognition of distinguished services in the Middle East during the period February to July 1941.’

Anthony Ralph Timbrell was born on 23 May 1918, the son of Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Timbrell, D.S.O., Indian Army, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the West Yorkshire Regiment on 27 January 1938, serving with the 2nd Battalion in Palestine from October 1938. Following the outbreak of the Second World War he moved to Sudan as a temporary Captain, and having been promoted War substantive Lieutenant on 16 April 1940, saw further service in Abyssinia and Eritrea, being Mentioned in Despatches.

Proceeding to the Western Desert, Timbrell was advanced temporary Major on 8 August 1941, and saw further service during the disastrous 5th Libyan campaign, being killed in action at the ‘Knightsbridge Cauldron’ on 5 June 1942. As the Regimental History laconically notes:
‘At 6:25 a.m. on 5 June the Battalion crossed the “start line” behind the tanks. Communication was most difficult because the unit had no wireless equipment and had to rely on flag signals. Little is known of the fate of “B” [Timbrell’s Company] and “C” Companies which led the attack, except that they fought gallantly against impossible odds under the concentrated and close fire of German tanks and armoured cars and Italian Infantry. The War Diary simply stated: “No news from ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies. Later discovered that all officers and headquarters are casualties”. Small parties succeeded in withdrawing to join other companies or to report at Battalion headquarters, but most of the survivors were taken prisoner in or near the enemy positions. They were unfortunate victims of inadequate liaison and support by other arms.’

Timbrell is buried in Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya.

Sold with extensive copied research.