Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An 1897 pattern infantry officer’s presentation sword for a Victoria Cross winner, the 82cm dumbbell section blade etched with crowned Royal Arms, ‘Royal Tank Corps’, regimental badge and motto ‘Fear naught’ and within a panel the presentation inscription ‘Presented to Lt. Col. H.R.B. Foote V.C. D.S.O. From the officer’s and men, Royal Tank Regt. Dec. 1944’ regulation plated steel guard incorporating the crowned royal cypher GVIR, fully chequered back-strap, fish-skin covered grip bound with brass wire, complete with its leather covered sam browne field service scabbard, good condition overall £360-400

Maj-Gen. Henry Robert Bowreman Foote, VC, CB, DSO, was born in India, 5th December 1904, son of Lt.-Col. H B Foote, RA, educated at Bedford School. ‘Bob Foote’ was commissioned into the Royal Tank Corps in 1925, a Captain by the outbreak of the second world war, an Acting Lt.-Col. by 1942, he served in the Western Desert and there he earned his VC, for his outstanding gallantry during the period May 27 to June 15, 1942, at Knightsbridge Escarpment, Libya, the official citation reading as follows “Lt. Colonel Foote was always at a crucial point at the right moment and over a period of days he gave an example of outstanding courage and leadership which it would be difficult to surpass. His name was a byword for bravery and leadership throughout the brigade.”

Foote was taken prisoner after breaking his leg falling into a wadi, he was incarcerated in Italy but escaped to Switzerland where he was interned, he had no idea that he had been awarded the Victoria Cross until he heard the news on the radio whilst still interned in Switzerland. After his release, Foote was posted to Allied Forces HQ in Italy. He was Brigadier, RAC, Middle East Land Forces from 1945 to 1947, and OC 2nd RTR from 1947 to 1948. He commanded 7th Armoured Brigade from 1949 to 1950 and 11th Armoured Division from 1950 to 1953. In addition to the VC he was awarded the DSO in 1942 and CB in 1952. He retired in 1958. He was featured as a subject of ‘This is your life’ on television. He died in 1993 aged 88.

Major- General Foote’s Victoria Cross is in the Tank Museum at Bovington.

Sold with a quantity of research including several copied portraits of Foote, cuttings, and an autograph, etc.