Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A post-War O.B.E. group of six awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel J. D. B. Thornton, Royal Corps of Signals, who served as the founding Officer and first Commandant of the Army School of Recruiting; he had previously been awarded the M.B.E. for his services with the British Army of the Rhine

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 3 clasps, Palestine 1945-48, Malaya, Cyprus, unofficial retaining rods between clasps (Maj. J. D. B. Thornton. R. Sigs.) very fine (6) £300-£400

O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1963.
The original recommendation states: ‘17 October, 1960. Commandant, Army School of Recruiting. In 1960 it was found essential to inaugurate Courses for all Army recruiting and liaison staffs. This resulted in the formation of the Army School of Recruiting, of which Lieutenant-Colonel J. D. B. Thornton became the first Commandant in November, 1960.
The opening of this School was undoubtedly one of the biggest of the factors which have contributed to the success of Army recruiting generally. Apart from organising the formation of the School, which in itself was a formidable task due to the need for urgency, Lt. Col. Thornton was charged with producing new recruiting doctrine and techniques which involved large scale research and a period of intensive thought and study. The difficulties of his problem were exacerbated by the fact that time was precious. All this resulted in an overall task of awesome proportions but Lieut. Col. Thornton faced it in such a determined and capable way, and with no thought whatever for the very severe strain he placed on himself, that it was completed well within schedule. The doctrine and techniques which he advised have been accepted virtually unchanged, and have undoubtedly been the basis of the startling improvement in Army recruiting figures in 1962.
His duties have also included a very close liaison with the other two Services, the Ministry of Defence and Territorial Army. The results of his long hours of work and excellent organisational ability are directly reflected in the improvement of recruiting for the Regular Army and by his efforts he has given inspiration and been an example to all. Lieutenant-Colonel Thornton has been able to make a unique personal contribution to the future welfare of the Army. His devotion to duty and the excellent results he has achieved during a period so vital to the Regular Army are deserving of the highest commendation and recognition and well merit special consideration for appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.’

M.B.E. London Gazette 12 June 1958.
The original Recommendation states: ‘This officer has been an inspiring leader and indefatigable worker in three and a half difficult years of reorganisation in Germany. His energy and farsightedness in tackling problems which might have proved insuperable to many; his insistence on the highest standards and his tireless efforts to promote the welfare of the Regiment have all set an example which few can hope to surpass.
In every sphere of military activity, Major Thornton has set himself one aim - that of perfection. He has never allowed any matter to appear too detailed or too trivial to warrant his interest and attention. Foremost amongst his achievements has been the creation of excellent relations between the Regiment and the Staff, civilian and German organisations which have greatly lightened the administrative tasks of the Unit. In sport, too, especially cricket, his energy and infectious enthusiasm have created a similar wide circle of influence which can only but promote all that is best in the many sportsmen with whom he has come into contact.
Both in his personal conduct and in his many achievements, Major Thornton has set the highest possible standards which have inspired officer and man alike to emulate.’

John Douglas Beauchamp Thornton was born in Cheshire on 20 May 1913 and was appointed to a commission in the Royal Corps of Signals on 24 March 1943. Raised Captain 27 May 1947, he served during the Jewish Revolt in Palestine and was appointed M.B.E. in the Queen’s Birthday Honours’ list in 1958. Awarded for service as Second in Command of the 5th Infantry Division Signal Regiment in Hereford and with the British Army of the Rhine, the citation notes: ‘his insistence on the highest standards and his tireless efforts to promote the welfare of the Regiment, have all set an example which few can hope to surpass.’

An energetic and enthusiastic cricketer, Thornton proved keen to promote sport as a means to bring out the best in his men. Such passion and ability to find ‘common ground’ with the younger recruits undoubtedly led to his later appointment as Commandant of the Army School of Recruiting and subsequent award of the O.B.E. Transferred from the Supernumerary List to the Special List on 21 May 1963, Thornton retired as a Lieutenant-Colonel on 20 May 1968.

Sold with copied research.