Thomas Bosvile

Thomas Bosvile
Born	19 September 1897
Died	8 July 1945 (aged 47)
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service / branch	British Army
Years of service	1915–1945
Rank	Brigadier
Service number	11877
Unit	Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort's Own)
Commands	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

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.

Military career

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]

Family

Bosvile married Crystal Guina Lucy Jervis on 11 October 1927.[7]

References

1. "No. 29193". The London Gazette. 15 June 1915. p. 5761.
2. "No. 30780". The London Gazette (Supplement). 2 July 1918. p. 7898.
3. "Bosvile, Thomas James Bolle". Traces of War. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
4. "No. 35879". The London Gazette (Supplement). 26 January 1943. p. 524.
5. 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
6. "No. 37138". The London Gazette (Supplement). 19 June 1945. p. 3217.
7. Mosley, Charles, editor. Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage, 107th edition, 3 volumes. Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A.: Burke's Peerage (Genealogical Books) Ltd, 2003.

External links

• Generals of World War II