Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Military College Sandhurst Prize Medal (2), 70mm, silver, unnamed; 44mm, bronze, the reverse engraved ‘Novices Competition 1923 Class A Middle Weight Winner R. H. B. Arkwright’, minor edge bruising to both, very fine and better (2) £60-£80

D.S.O. London Gazette 29 September 1943.
The original recommendation by General B. L. Montgomery, G.O.C. Eighth Army, states: ‘During the Battles of Medenin-Mareth and Gabes Gap, Brigadier Arkwright rendered outstanding services. The success of these battles depended ultimately on our tank strength, and Brig. Arkwright’s duties took him all over the battle area, in exposed places and under fire. He carried out his duties to my entire satisfaction, and thereby contributed to the successes gained in these battles. He has been my Brigadier A.F.V. since August 1942, and has rendered distinguished services.’

D.S.O. Second Award Bar London Gazette 13 January 1944.
The original recommendation states: ‘This officer was in Command of the 23rd Ard. Bde during the advance of 7 Arm. Div to Naples and to the R. Volturno. He has led his Bde. with great skill and dash to such good effect that his leading troops overcame all obstacles and captured Naples without a moments delay...’

Robert Harry Bertram Arkwright was born on 30 July 1903, a descendant of Richard Arkwright, the inventor of the Spinning Jenny, and was educated at Eton and the R.M.C., Sandhurst. Appointed to the 12th Royal Lancers in 1924, he served at the Staff College (Camberley) from 1934-35, and was employed as Brigade Major to the 1st Cavalry Brigade from 1936-39. Appointed G.S.O.2. at the War Office in 1939, he was made D.A.A.G. to 1st Armoured Division in France in 1940. Transferred as G.S.O.1. to 8th Armoured Division 1940-42, he was advanced Brigadier and placed in Command of 23rd Armoured Brigade from 1943-46. Awarded the D.S.O. and Second Award Bar for gallantry in the Middle East and Italy, he was further decorated with the C.B. on 21 June 1945 for ‘exceptional service’ during the Greek rebellion. Returned home to England, Arkwright ended an illustrious military career as Commander of the 56th (London) Armoured Division (T.A.) from 1946-49, and Commander of 7th Armoured Division from 1949-51.

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