Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Major T. E. Carroll, Royal Marines

Naval General Service 1915-62, 2 clasps, Near East, Brunei (Lieut. T. E. Carroll. R.M.); General Service 1962-2007, 2 clasps, Borneo, South Arabia (Captain T. E. Carroll. R.M.) mounted as worn, good very fine and better (2) £1,000-£1,400

Thomas Edward Carroll ‘joined the Corps with the May 1950 batch and was drafted to the landing craft branch on completion of training. His first overseas tour was to the Rhine Squadron from 1953-56 where he commanded various Motor Launches. After spending six months in 42 Commando in Bickleigh, he went to 5 Assault Squadron in H.M.S. Anzio missing the Port Said operations by a few weeks. In August 1957 he became O.C.R.M. of H.M.S. Loch Fyne in the Persian Gulf. Returning to Lympstone in 1959 for a couple of years, he joined his first Commando, 45 in Aden after 11 years in the Corps. He took part in the Kuwait operation and after his year in Aden transferred to 42 Commando in the Far East as a Captain where he saw service in Borneo as a Company Second in Command.

His administrative flair was recognised when he took over the difficult job of Officers Mess Secretary at Sembawang. After a short spell at R.M.V.R. Bristol, he joined 41 Commando at Bickleigh and his final draft as a local Major and Company Commander was to 45 Commando, which included the unit's return to England and Stonehouse. He retired at his own request in September 1969.

Ted remained a bachelor all his life, even in retirement in business in Spain. He spoke fluent Spanish and several other European languages. He was renowned for his Irish sense of humour and was a most equable mess-mate. Never destined for great heights in the Corps, he nevertheless did his job conscientiously and thoroughly. He died on 25 April 1986, aged 53 years’ (the recipient’s obituary in Globe and Laurel refers).

Sold with a small photograph of the recipient and copied research.