Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War Salerno landings M.C. group of nine awarded to Captain A. Tomlinson, Royal Engineers, late Scots Guards, who was decorated for his gallantry on “Sugar Green Beach” during the opening assault

Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1944’; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (2694967 Gdsmn. A. Tomlinson, S. Gds.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted court-style as worn, generally good very fine (9) £1800-2200

M.C. London Gazette 24 August 1944. The original recommendation states:

‘Captain Tomlinson was the senior A.M.L.O. on Sugar Green Beach during the assault landings in Operation Avalanche, and as such was responsible for the disembarkation of personnel vehicles and stores. The fact the disembarkation was carried out smoothly was largely due to the energy and efficiency of Captain Tomlinson. Personnel on this beach often worked under fire and Captain Tomlinson showed a good example of coolness and devotion to duty.’

Albert Tomlinson, a native of Saltburn, Yorkshire, who was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers in June 1942, was attached to 21 Beach Group at the time of winning his M.C. on Sugar Green Beach at the Salerno landings. The beach was subjected to heavy fire from 88mm. guns which had been left intact following the invasion’s opening bombardment, so much so that two L.S.Ts were actually diverted to an alternative landing place - such was the din of battle that beachmasters like Tomlinson had to issue orders through a loud hailer. And Green Beach remained under enemy fire for several days following the landings.

Tomlinson was also mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 24 August 1944, refers).