The Ron Penhall Collection

The Borneo operations M.C. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel A. V. O. Robinson, Commanding Officer of the Sultan of Oman’s Frontier Force: having been mentioned in despatches with the Royal Irish Fusiliers for Malaya in 1954, he transferred to the 6th Gurkha Rifles and won his M.C. for several “contacts” in Borneo - he later commanded the Sultan of Oman’s Frontier Force, with whom he was twice decorated in the Dhofar operations of 1973

Military Cross, E.II.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1965’; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, E.II.R., with M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt. A. V. O. Robinson, R. Ir. F.); General Service 1962, 1 clasp, Borneo (Major A. V. O. Robinson, 6 G.R.); Oman, Distinguished Service Medal; Oman, Bravery Medal; Oman, Accession Medal 1970; Oman, General Service Medal, with clasp for Dhofar, and Commendation oak leaf, mounted as worn, good very fine and better (7) £4000-5000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Ron Penhall Collection.

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M.C. London Gazette 14 December 1965. The original recommendation states:

‘Major Robinson has been in action against the Indonesian aggressors on the borders of Indonesia and the Fourth Division Sarawak on four occasions. Each time the enemy has been repulsed with heavy casualties which have been confirmed later by independent sources. On every occasion this officer has displayed determination, aggressive spirit, moral and physical courage, and leadership of a very high standard. He has commanded his men in an exemplary manner with no thought of his own safety. He has also personally led his company on numerous border patrols of long duration, enduring physical danger and discomfort.

Amongst other tasks entrusted to Company Commanders in these jungle operations is the winning of the hearts and minds of the local people. In this respect, Major Robinson has been outstandingly successful and has not only won the respect but the sincere affection of the local people with whom he has had to deal.

This officer at all times set an example to all ranks of his company and indeed to the whole battalion on how an infantry Company Commander should conduct operations in the Borneo Territories.

He is well above average in this respect and has set an example well above and beyond the normal calls of duty.’

Mention in despatches London Gazette 26 October 1954:

‘In recognition of distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1 January to 30 June 1954.’

Anthony Vyvyan Oliver Robinson was born in February 1930 and was commissioned into the Royal Irish Fusiliers in August 1948. Mentioned in despatches for his subsequent deeds out in Malaya, he transferred to the 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Gurkha Rifles and went on to win the M.C. for his leadership and bravery in Borneo in 1965, which decoration he received at a Buckingham Palace investiture held in October 1966. Having then retired from the British Army as a Major in April 1969, he joined the Sultan of Oman’s Forces, and saw extensive service in the Frontier Force in the Dhofar operations of 1973, in which year he was awarded the Sultan’s Distinguished Service Medal and Bravery Medal, and was the recipient of a Commendation (Routine Orders dated 10 May, 30 June and 8 March 1973 refer; permission to wear the decorations granted by H.M. The Queen in March and October 1973). He retired in the following year as a Lieutenant-Colonel and C.O. of the Frontier Force.

Sold with the recipient’s Sultan of Oman’s Land Forces’ headgear (a.k.a. Keffiyeh and Agal), three related cap badges and a copy of Major A. R. Tinson’s book, The Orders, Decorations and Medals of the Sultanate of Oman, in which Robinson is mentioned.