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Bosvile, Thomas James Bolle

Date of birth:
September 19th, 1897
Date of death:
July 8th, 1945
Buried on:
Commonwealth War Graves St Mary and St Andrew Churchyard
Service number:
11877
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

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Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:
Acting Captain
Unit:
Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own)
Awarded on:
February 4th, 1918
Military Cross (MC)
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Unit:
Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own)
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:
1st Battalion Rifle Brigade, 2nd Armoured Brigade, 1st Armoured Division, British Army
Awarded on:
August 13th, 1942
"From 27 May to 10 June Lt.Col. BOSVILE has commanded his unit. From 2 June to date he has had immediate command of two Battery Groups. In the area NORTH and slightly WEST of KNIGHTSBRIDGE he has been largely responsible by his skilful direction for the relief of pressure on the 201st Guards Brigade Box. In particular on 8, 9 and 10 June by his utter determination to take offensive action the patrols which he has organised and directed have been responsible for the withdrawal of 30 tanks, the destruction of ammunition lorries, the disposal of enemy sentries and the recovery of a Grant tank within 200 yards of the enemy.

Throughout this and all actions he has shown a complete disregard for danger and by his visitations to patrols, to anti-tank guns and to battery positions under fire has encouraged all ranks to resist to the utmost.

His command, his control and his complete disregard of fatigue have been an example of fortitude to all ranks."
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Major-General
Unit:
Headquarters, 7th Motor Brigade Rifle Brigade, 1st Armoured Division, British Army
Awarded on:
January 28th, 1943
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
"Throughout the operations at ALAMEIN and in the SNIPE, WOODCOCK and Tell EL AQQAQIR positions from 23 OCT to 4 Nov 42, this officer commanded and conducted the successful operations of 7th Motor Brigade. His constant desire to be aggressive, his anxiety to maintain the offensive, his quick decisions and his calm and considered judgment were largely responsible for the destruction of over 60 tanks and a large number of enemy personnel.

In conditions of extreme hardship and frequently under heavy shell-fire his energy, firm direction and complete disregard of personal safety were an inspiration and example to those who served under him and to all who saw him."

Second DSO received as bar
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Unit:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
June 21st, 1945
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Temporary Brigadier
Unit:
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), Allied Forces
Awarded on:
November 8th, 1945

Posthumously awarded
Legion of Merit - Officer (LoM - O)

Sources

Photo