Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second War ‘Western Desert - Siege of Tobruk’ M.M. awarded to Bombardier C. W. Lowe, Royal Horse Artillery, who was originally recommended for the D.C.M., after he engaged enemy tanks with a Boys Anti-Tank Rifle in open ground. He was killed in action during the Second Battle of El Alamein on 25 October 1942

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (5246917 Bmbr. C, W. Lowe. R.A.) mounted on original investiture pin, extremely fine

M.M. London Gazette 18 July 1941. The recommendation states:

‘I wish to bring to your notice and to recommend for the D.C.M. No. 5246197 Bdr Charles William Lowe, A/E Bty, 1st Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery.

Early on the morning of 14th April, A/E Bty was heavily attacked by enemy tanks who had broken through the outer defences of TOBRUK.

He was in opposition with a Boyes [sic] rifle on the exposed flank of the troop, and had been ordered into a new position when the attack began. He immediately got his rifle into action, and lying in the open in an exposed position, he fired until all his ammunition was expended. He scored direct hits, and caused one tank to withdraw, as it was endeavouring to outflank the guns.

His coolness and courage was a fine example to all ranks in the Bty.’

Charles William Lowe was the husband of Mrs E. Lowe, and resided in Coventry. He served during the Second War as a Bombardier with the Royal Horse Artillery, as part of the 20th Australian Infantry Brigade, 9th Australian Division, Western Desert Force. After his gallant exploits during the siege of Tobruk between April and November 1941, he went on to serve with the 76th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery during the Second Battle of El Alamein, and was killed on 25 October 1942. He is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt, and commemorated at Christchurch, Great Malvern and St. Andrews Church, Poolbrook.

Sold with a portrait photograph of recipient in uniform wearing M.M. ribbon, together with contemporary copied letter of congratulations from Australian Imperial Force H.Q, Tobruch Fortress, on award of M.M., date 2 June 1941; and a similar message from Eighth Army Commander for 1st Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, dated 28 December 1941 - ‘Whole EIGHTH ARMY admires beyond description the wonderful display of courage and fighting qualities shown by your Regiment throughout the whole of the siege of TOBRUK. It will live in the annals of history of the Royal Regiment, and adds to the glory of your unit tradition as right of the line of a British Army. Well done, indeed.’

‘To: Bdr. C. W. Lowe. M.M.

The above message from the Army Commander is passed to you for your information and retention. It is doubtful whether an Army Commander, even Wellington after Waterloo, has ever singled out an individual Regiment for higher praise, and you, Bombardier Lowe are one of those who has personally contributed so much, and so well earned it.’