A fine battle of Bardia D.C.M. group of five awarded to Sergeant F. J. ‘Lofty’ Prouse, Royal Tank Regiment, who was later killed during the sortie from Tobruk in November 1941

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (7883485 Sjt. F. J. Prouse, R. Tank R.); India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1935 (7883485 Pte., R. Tank C.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal, together with original C-in-C’s Commendation signed by Wavell, awarding D.C.M. for Bardia, and Ministry of Pensions illuminated memorial scroll (Sjt. F. J. Prouse, D.C.M., R.T.R.) good very fine (5) £3000-3500

D.C.M. London Gazette 9 May 1941, ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East.’

The recommendation states: ‘BARDIA 3 Jan 41. Commander of Tank “GIVENCHY”. After his tank was stopped by direct hits from enemy guns he continued to give most effective covering fire enabling the infantry to continue to advance. His tank was stationary under artillery and anti-tank gun fire for 4 hours but despite this he and his crew repaired the tracks and brought the tank out of action. Sergeant Prouse was slightly wounded when his cupola received a direct hit. His devotion to duty and gallantry were exemplary and were responsible for recovering his tank in conditions of great danger and difficulty.’

Franklin John Prouse, from Launceston, Devon, enlisted into the Royal Tank Corps in 1932. He served in India with the 2nd Light Tank Company from 1934 to 1938, during which time his name was brought to the notice of the Army Commander in June 1936, in connection with the Mohmand operations. In September 1939, he was mobilized and posted to the 7th Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment, with whom he served in France in 1940 before embarking for the Middle East in August 1940. He won the D.C.M. during the battle of Bardia on 3 January 1941, and was killed in action during the sortie from Tobruk on 28 November 1941. He is buried in the Tobruk War Cemetery. His D.C.M. was presented by the King to his widow, Ivy Prouse, at an investiture on 17 March 1942.