Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria to include a Fine Collection of Napoleonic Medals

Six: Major T. Brownhill, Army Fire Service, late Royal Tank Corps

India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1935 (7883108 Pte., R. Tank C.); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf, these unnamed, mounted as worn; British Fire Services Association Long and Efficient Service Medal (T. Brownhill) silver, good very fine and better (lot) £300-400

Thomas Brownhill was born on 16 January 1915 and was educated at Chetham’s Hospital Blue Coat School, Manchester. He enlisted into the Royal Tank Corps on 6 January 1932 and served with them on the North West Frontier of India in 1935. The following year he was transferred to the Reserve and in May 1936 he joined the Manchester Fire Brigade. With the start of the Second World War he was recalled to the Colours in December 1939, serving once more with the Royal Tank Corps. In July 1941 he was transferred to the Army Fire Service and was commissioned in that body on 20 May 1943 and appointed an Instructor. In August 1943 he was promoted to Captain as Officer Commanding 105 Army Fire Company. As Officer Commanding 151 Army Fire Company, he was posted to North Africa in January 1944 and was appointed Staff Captain (Fire) Algiers Sub District. In September 1944 he was transferred to the Staff Pool at Allied Forces H.Q. C.M.F. (Italy) and advanced to Temporary Major as DADAFS to 15 Army Group. In March 1945 he was transferred as DADAFS Allied Forces HQ to act as Deputy to the ADAFS. He assumed command of the Army Fire Services, C.M.F. in September 1945. For his wartime services he was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 23 May 1946). Returning to the U.K. in August 1947, he was appointed Command Fire Officer, Western Command and Officer Commanding 852 Army Fire Company. In January 1952 he was posted to MELF as Chief Inspector of Fire Services, retiring on 31 January 1954.

With recipient’s khaki uniform - tunic jacket - with buttons, insignia and ribands; trousers, cap and belt (this last bearing his name); together with additional ribbon and cloth insignia, riband bar and four B.F.S.A. ’sew-on’ clasps; copied M.I.D. certificate, a photocopied group photograph of the 10th Light Tank Coy. Swimming Team 1936 - including Brownhill, and copied research.