Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Military College, sports medal, silver, 45mm, reverse inscribed ‘Individual Sports 1924 Long Jump First F. F. Barlow Distance 19 Ft. 11n.’ good very fine £20-£30

D.S.O. London Gazette 21 December 1944:

The original Recommendation states; ‘On 10 September 1944 the 2nd Battalion South Wales Borderers under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel F. F. S. Barlow was the right forward Battalion in the attack by 56th Infantry Brigade on the outer defences of the Le Havre. The enemy position was a very strong one consisting of wall-sited concrete posts and earthworks all mutually supported and cover by minefields an anti-tank ditch and wire. Lieutenant-Colonel Barlow was called upon to co-ordinate with the action of his Battalion no less than five sub-units of supporting arms which included Flails, Crocodiles, AVREs, and Tanks. It was entirely due to his untiring energy, his determination to overcome all difficulties, and his great sense of detail that a perfect co-operation in battle of these many and varied types of supporting arms was achieved. During the action, the enemy reacted violently and put up a very determined resistance. One Company of the Battalion was caught in the enemy's defensive fire and rendered unfit for further action - another Company and the Tanks co-operating came under very heavy fire from an enemy post on the right flank. These incidents were responsible for a temporary hold-up of the originally planned attack and called for quick decisions and appreciation by the Battalion Commander. Lieutenant-Colonel Barlow, never daunted, rose quickly to the situation and with great initiative, determination, courage and leadership readjusted his plan. His rapid grasp of the situation, his clear orders and his imperturbability were an inspiration to all ranks. It was entirely due to his handling of the situation that all objects allotted to him were captured before nightfall. Again on 12 September during the street fighting in Le Havre, in the face of much sniping and machine gun fire, Lieutenant-Colonel Barlow displayed the same high qualities of leadership and courage, handling his Battalion with skill and determination. The Officer's services throughout the operation and during some intricate and difficult situations were of a very high order. By his calm courage, high sense of duty and imperturbability at all times, he has been a constant source of inspiration and example to his Battalion.’

M.V.O London Gazette 30 April 1954.

Frank Frederick Stewart Barlow born on 8 June 1905 and was educated at the Royal Military College, Sandurst. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the South Wales Borderers on 30 August 1924, and was promoted Lieutenant on 30 August 1926; Captain on 16 February 1934; and Major on 30 August 1941. A sporting man, he was also the Supervising Officer for Physical Training for the regiment during the 1930s. He commanded the 2nd Battalion in Normandy as Lieutenant-Colonel from 9 June 1944, and was awarded an immediate D.S.O.. He was additionally created a Member of the Royal Victorian Order in 1954.