Combe, John Frederick Boyce

Date of birth:: August 1st, 1895
Date of death:: July 12th, 1967
Service number:: 8669
Nationality:: British

Biography

In 1914, Combe joined the B Squadron of the 11th Hussars (Prince Albert’s Own).Served in France and Belgium from 8.11.1914 to 11.11.1918, and was wounded twice.
In 1941 in Italy when the Germans broke the allies southern flank and reached Derna, he was in an armoured car caught with a convoy of British transport. Along with General A.Smith and General Neame they were captured and taken to Castle Vincigliata, Florence. Three years passed before they escaped (1943) and reached British lines and within a year he was leading one of Field Marshal Alexander's armoured brigades in the battle for the 'Gothic Line'
He retired from the army in October 1947 but continued to hold the ceremonial post of Colonel of the Regiment of the 11th Hussars to which he had been appointed in July 1945 and was to hold for twelve years.
It was as Colonel of the Regiment that he took part in the procession behind the coffin at the funeral of King George VI in 1952.

Career/promotions:
Enlisted into the 11th Hussars on 15.8.1914;
Lieutenant 8.8.1915 (M.G.C. 26.2.1916 to 22.8.1916;
Acting Captain 11.7.1919 to 10.11.1919);
Captain 26.9.1921;
Aide de Camp to His Eminence the Viceroy and Governor General of India 15.4.1924 to 14.5.1925.
Major 6.7.1931;
Lieutenant Colonel 27.9.1939;
Acting Col 3.4.1941 to 12.6.1944 and 5.9.1944 to 5.10.1944;
Colonel 27.9.1942 (6.10.1944);
Acting Brigadier 3.4.1941 to 12.6.1944 & 23/9/1944.
Colonel 11th Hussars 12.7.1945.
Acting Maj Gen 10.6.1946
Major General 8.10.1946
retirement 30.10.1947

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Mentioned in Dispatches

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:: Royal Armoured Corps (Hussars)
Awarded on:: April 1st, 1941

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:: 11 Hussars, Royal Armoured Corps (Hussars)
Awarded on:: April 1st, 1941

Recommendation from General Wavell:
"I wish to recommend this officer especially for gallantry, exceptional leadership and outstandingly valuable services during the battles of Fort Capuzzo, Sidi Azeiz and Ghirba and the successful action of the blocking of the Tobruk - Bardia road by 'C' Squadron, 11th Hussars on 14 and 16 June 1940.
He handled his Regt. of Armd Cars brilliantly during the continuous successful operations of the week ending 19 June 1940, and the successes gained were largely due to his personal leadership and energy."

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:: 11 Hussars, Royal Armoured Corps (Hussars)
Awarded on:: April 25th, 1941

Recommendation from General Wavell:
"It was entirely on account of the brilliant leadership and outstanding handling of his Regiment by Lt Col Combe, that the swift advance of the 4 Armd Bde into the gap between Buq Buq and Sidi Barrani was made possible. His dispositions were such that it was possible to find immediately weak points in the enemy's lines and to take advantage of the information so obtained. This regiment passed deep and wide round the enemy, obtaining invaluable co-operation. During the advance on Dec 13/14th Lt-Col Combe commanded the advanced elements with great skill and daring. His actions and impertability during the trying hostile dive-bombing and machine gunning attacks of the 14th Dec., were an inspiration to all ranks. Despite intense enemy air action, he continued his reconnaissance in a most gallant manner."

Second DSO awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DSO.
WO 373/17/70

Mentioned in Dispatches

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Brigadier
Unit:: Royal Armoured Corps (Hussars)
Awarded on:: August 3rd, 1944

Citation (general):
"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field."

Mentioned in Dispatches

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Temporary Brigadier
Unit:: Royal Armoured Corps (Hussars)
Awarded on:: November 29th, 1945

Citation (general):
"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy."

Companion of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB, Military Division)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major-General
Unit:: Late Royal Armoured Corps
Awarded on:: July 12th, 1947

Legion of Merit - Officer (LoM - O)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major-General
Unit:: late Royal Armoured Corps
Awarded on:: September 17th, 1948

Citation:
"Brigadier John Frederick Boyce Combe, D.S.O., British Army, performed outstanding service in Italy from September 1944 to the end of the campaign, as Commanding Officer of the 2d Armoured Brigade. He directed his Brigade with outstanding professional skill during the heavy fighting to force the Gothic Line and in the subsequent operations during the Spring offensive in which with an aggressive spirit emulating that of their commander, the Brigade supported the seizure of the Argenta Gap, crossing of the Po and the final pursuit operations culminating that collapse of the enemy forces in this Theater. Brigadier Combe has contributed materially to the Over-all success of Allied forces in Italy."