Six: Captain T. N. Douglas, Scots Guards

1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals; General Service 1918-62, G.VI.R., 1 clasp, Malaya (Capt., SG) nearly extremely fine (6) £180-220

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Richard Schweder Collection of Medals for Campaigns in Malaysia.

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Thomas Neil Douglas was born in April 1923, being commissioned into the Scots Guards in August 1942. He attained the rank of Captain in April 1950 and Temporary Major in November 1951, prior to his retirement in 1954.

The History of The Scots Guards confirms that he served with the regiment from 1942 to 1954, in North Africa, Italy and Malaya. He was with the 2nd Battalion when it embarked for Salerno in September 1943 and on 18 March 1945 was O.C. Flamethrower Platoon of the 1st Battalion, when the latter came under the command of the 56th (London) Division.

On 12 November 1943, during the action at Monte Camino, near Mignano, Lieutenant Douglas led a night patrol; it came under fire, was caught in an exposed position and was unable to get back until daylight, when it withdrew under cover of an artillery bombardment. Douglas, who was serving with Right Flank Company was wounded.

On 9 April 1945 the 8th Army launched its final offensive across the River Senio; the only Scots Guardsmen to take part were the men of the “Wasp” Flamethrower Platoon under Lieutenant Douglas; this detachment supported the 8th Indian Division as it stormed and cleared the high flood banks which housed the German defences.’