Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Corporal T. E. Roberts, Devonshire Regiment

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (5668433 Pte. T. E. Roberts. Devon. R.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted for wear, nearly extremely fine (3) £140-£180

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Peter and Dee Helmore.

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Approximately 32 Palestine clasps awarded to the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, all to other ranks attached to the 2nd Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment.

Thomas Ernest Roberts was born in Neath, Glamorganshire in 1910. A Builder’s Labourer by occupation he attested at Bath for the Devonshire Regiment on 23 January 1928. Posted initially to the 2nd Battalion he embarked on 25 September 1929 to join the 1st Battalion stationed in Quetta on the North West Frontier, and with the 1st Battalion took part in their march on foot of 187 miles to Razmak, arriving on 25 March 1934. Returning to England he transferred to the Army Reserve on 18 December 1935. Mobilised at Exeter on 7 September 1936 and was posted to the 2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment for service in Palestine on 11 September 1936. Re-transferred to the Army Reserve on 14 December 1936, he was again mobilised for War service at Exeter on 2 September 1939. Promoted to Corporal he served with various ‘Home Duties’ battalions before being transferred to the Staff at the Officer Cadet Training Unit on the Isle of Man on 19 August 1941. Discharged as permanently unfit on 18 June 1943, he was subsequently employed as a welde. He died at Harlow, Essex on 31 July 1983, aged 72.

Sold with copied service records confirming medal entitlement and other research.