Thomas_Bosvile
Brigadier Thomas James Bolle Bosvile, CBE, DSO*, MC (19 September 1897 – 8 July 1945) was a British Army officer who served as acting General Officer Commanding 1st Armoured Division during the Second World War.
Thomas Bosvile | |
|---|---|
| Born | 19 September 1897 |
| Died | 8 July 1945 (aged 47) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ | British Army |
| Years of service | 1915–1945 |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Service number | 11877 |
| Unit | Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own) |
| Commands held | 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own) 7th Motor Brigade |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order & Bar Military Cross |
Bosvile was commissioned into the Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own) on 16 June 1915.[1] He saw action during the First World War for which he was awarded the Military Cross. The medal's citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company forward, unsupported by artillery, and captured an enemy position in spite of strong opposition. He set a magnificent example of determination and initiative.[2]
During the Second World War, he commanded the 1st Battalion, The Rifle Brigade during the Battle of Gazala in North Africa in May 1942 for which he was appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order.[3] He went on to command 7th Motor Brigade and led the Defence of Outpost Snipe on 26 October 1942 during the Second Battle of El Alamein in October 1942: for this he was awarded a bar to his Distinguished Service Order.[4] He briefly served as acting General Officer Commanding 1st Armoured Division from 27 April 1943 until 1 May 1943.[5] After that he served on the staff at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force for which he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.[6]
He died on 8 July 1945, before the end of the war and was buried at Church of St Andrew & St Mary, Pitminster.[3]
Bosvile married Crystal Guina Lucy Jervis on 11 October 1927.[7]
- "No. 29193". The London Gazette. 15 June 1915. p. 5761.
- "No. 30780". The London Gazette (Supplement). 2 July 1918. p. 7898.
- "Bosvile, Thomas James Bolle". Traces of War. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
- "No. 35879". The London Gazette (Supplement). 26 January 1943. p. 524.
- Joslen, H. F. (2003) [1960]. Orders of Battle: Second World War, 1939–1945. Uckfield, East Sussex: Naval and Military Press. ISBN 978-1-84342-474-1.. pp. 13–15
- "No. 37138". The London Gazette (Supplement). 19 June 1945. p. 3217.
- Mosley, Charles, editor. Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage, 107th edition, 3 volumes. Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A.: Burke's Peerage (Genealogical Books) Ltd, 2003.