Auction Catalogue

1 & 2 March 2017

Starting at 11:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Live Online Auction

Download Images

Lot

№ 117

.

1 March 2017

Hammer Price:
£1,600

A Fine ‘Western Desert - Siege of Tobruk’ M.M. awarded to Bombardier C. W. Lowe, Royal Horse Artillery, who was originally recommended for the D.C.M., after he engaged enemy tanks with a Boys Anti-Tank Rifle in open ground. He was killed in action during the Second Battle of El Alamein, 25 October 1942

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (5246917 Bmbr. C, W. Lowe. R.A.) good very fine £1200-1600

M.M. London Gazette 18 July 1941, the recommendation states:

‘I wish to bring to your notice and to recommend for the D.C.M. No. 5246197 Bdr Charles William Lowe, A/E Bty, 1st Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery.

Early on the morning of 14th April, A/E Bty was heavily attacked by enemy tanks who had broken through the outer defences of Tobruk.

He was in opposition with a Boyes [sic] rifle on the exposed flank of the troop, and had been ordered into a new position when the attack began. He immediately got his rifle into action, and lying in the open in an exposed position, he fired until all his ammunition was expended. He scored direct hits, and caused one tank to withdraw, as it was endeavouring to outflank the guns.

His coolness and courage was a fine example to all ranks in the Bty.’

Charles William Lowe was the husband of Mrs E. Lowe, and resided in Coventry. He served during the Second War as a Bombardier with the Royal Horse Artillery, as part of the 20th Australian Infantry Brigade, 9th Australian Division, Western Desert Force. After his gallant exploits during the siege of Tobruk, April - November 1941, he went on to serve with the 76th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery during the Second Battle of El Alamein, and was killed 25 October 1942. He is buried in the El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt, and commemorated at Christchurch, Great Malvern and St. Andrews Church, Poolbrook.

Sold with portrait photograph of recipient in uniform.