Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Lance Sergeant H. C. E. Cumber, 2nd Battalion, Transvaal Scottish, Union Defence Force, who was taken prisoner of war during the attempted break out from Tobruk in June 1942

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, all officially impressed (32549 H. C. E. Cumber) very fine (4) £80-£100

Herbert Charles Edward Cumber was born in Smithfield, Orange Free State, South Africa in April 1907, and was the son of Charles Edward Cumber, Assistant Resident Magistrate. He enlisted in the Union Defence Force at Johannesburg in April 1940, and was subsequently posted to ‘H.Q.’ Company, 2nd Battalion, Transvaal Scottish.

Cumber disembarked in Egypt in June 1941, and was with the Regiment when it attempted to break out of the Axis cordon surrounding Tobruk, 21 June 1942, ultimately leading to the Garrison’s mass surrender on that date. He was taken prisoner of war by the Italians, and was initially interned at Campo 54 (near Rome). Cumber was subsequently transferred to Germany and interned at Stalag VII-A, Moosburg. He was repatriated in May 1945.

Sold with extensive copied research.