99
GROUPS AND SINGLE DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, G.VI.R. (PO.X.122 J. Povall. T/Cpl. R.M.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy, L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (PO/X.122 J. Povall. Mne. R.M. (Replacement)); Royal Marine Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (PO.X.122 Sgt. J. Povall. C.G.M. 28.2.1951); together with three prize medals, including one named Royal Tournament silver prize medal for bayonet fighting, dated ‘1939’, generally good very fine (9)
£20000-26000
---
C.G.M. London Gazette 3 August 1943 ‘For gallantry in the face of heavy odds in landings near Tobruk.’ Just seven C.G.M’s. were awarded to the Royal Marines during the Second War.
The published citation states:
‘Corporal Povall was among the first in a party to land, under heavy enemy fire at Tobruk. On getting ashore, he rallied his platoon, proceeded to attack at the head of his men and was largely responsible for establishing a bridgehead among the enemy. Hand to hand fighting followed in which Corporal Povall’s skilful use of his bayonet and rifle was an example which instilled in his men the dash and offensive spirit which enabled them to sweep aside several machine-gun nests and a considerable number of the enemy. His gallantry and outstanding leadership were worthy of the high tradition of the Royal Marines.’
The following slightly more detailed account is taken from the original confidential recommendation submitted by R.M. Group M.N.B.D.O:
‘This N.C.O. landed in the first flight from H.M.S. Sikh at Tobruk on the night of 13/14 September 1942. On approaching the shore the tows came under heavy shell fire and mortar fire from shore positions resulting in many casualties and unforeseen difficulties in landing due to swell on a rocky foreshore.
On getting ashore Sergeant Povall rallied his platoon under heavy fire and was in no small degree responsible for forming a bridgehead. Although realising that the chances of reinforcements from the 2nd flight were negligible, he proceeded to the attack at the head of his men. By his example in the skilful use of his bayonet and rifle in close fighting, he instilled in his troops the dash and offensive spirit which enabled them to sweep aside several machine gun nests and considerable numbers of the enemy, some entrenched in fire positions.
Sergeant Povall by his gallantry, cheerfulness and outstanding leadership set an example in accordance with the highest traditions of the naval service.’
John Povall was born in Wem, Shropshire in August 1907 and enlisted into the Royal Marines in February 1926, giving his trade on enlistment as ‘gardener’. The majority of his service was with the Portsmouth Division aboard a variety of ships and establishments. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in June 1937 and advanced to Sergeant in March 1941. Povall was serving with the 11th Battalion, Royal Marines during the Raid on Tobruk in which he was injured and taken prisoner of war, before subsequently being repatriated. He was finally discharged ‘physically unfit for Royal Marine Service’ in May 1946.
Operation Agreement
This daring raid was conducted in an attempt to annihilate the vital Axis supply bases located at Tobruk, at a time when Rommel’s Afrika Corps was poised for a final push on Cairo while the legendary Eighth Army showed signs of faltering under the sheer weight of his offensive. By the late summer of 1942, Military Intelligence had set in motion a daring plan for a Battalion of Royal Marines supported by Special Forces and a sizeable Naval Flotilla, to go ashore at night and reap havoc among Tobruk’s supply dumps and local defences. With luck their efforts would relieve the pressure being placed on the hard-pressed Eighth Army and bring about a change of fortune.
In the event, a series of misfortunes resulted in an extremely costly and largely unsuccessful raid, but what has never been in dispute is the superb bravery and fighting spirit of the participants, Povall’s own citation bearing testimony to the close and ferocious nature of their advance.
The following extract from The Marines Were There: The Story of The Royal Marines in the Second World War, by Sir Robert Bruce Lockhart, KCMG, gives a good account of Povall’s part in the action:
‘The landing had failed. Less than a hundred men had survived the terrible passage from ship to shore. Their landing craft were smashed. Despair stared them in the face. But in Major Hedley [see original letter included with the lot] the survivors had a leader who personified optimism and who was able to inspire his men with the hope that defies all buffets of adversity. Deploying his little force and valiantly supported by Captain Wright, Lieutenant Powell, Lieutenant Dyall and Sergeant Povall, he led them forward, they soon ran into enemy and, opening fire, they had, in the words of Corporal Hunt, one of the survivors, “occasion to kill many Italians with bayonet and rifle.” [In another published account, Corporal Hunt goes on to say: “I could hear Sergeant Povall well up in the front shouting encouragement and appearing to enjoy himself. He used his bayonet with great effect on many occasions.”]
A little farther on, they found their way blocked by a strongly prepared defence position supported by heavy machine-gun posts. It was here that Major Hedley more than justified his high reputation as a pistol shot. Leading the assault himself, he and Sergeant Povall engaged a section post manned by six Italians. Sergeant Povall shot the first, but before he could reload Major Hedley had finished off the other five with his revolver. Pressing on with all speed in the hope of finding suitable cover before daybreak, they fought their way up the wadi. Then climbing a steep slope swept by fire they succeeded in crossing the skyline and, pushing on into another wadi, found shelter in some caves. Here they planned to remain until nightfall and then to advance again in the hope - after what they had come through a reasonable one - of joining up with British units. There were only seventeen of them left. Many had wounds, but the flame of their courage was undimmed. This time, however, fortune deserted the brave, for in the afternoon Germans in strong force surrounded the caves, and the seventeen were forced to surrender.’
Sold with the following archive of original documentation:
i. Parchment Certificate of Service, detailing all his postings from his enlistment in 1926 until his discharge in 1946.
ii. Typed letter sent on behalf of the Brigadier, Commanding Portsmouth Division, Royal Marines at Eastney Barracks, dated 9 October 1942: ‘I deeply regret to have to confirm that he [Povall] w...
-----
This lot description has been truncated. Please see the Dix Noonan Webb website for the full lot description.
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, G.VI.R. (PO.X.122 J. Povall. T/Cpl. R.M.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy, L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (PO/X.122 J. Povall. Mne. R.M. (Replacement)); Royal Marine Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (PO.X.122 Sgt. J. Povall. C.G.M. 28.2.1951); together with three prize medals, including one named Royal Tournament silver prize medal for bayonet fighting, dated ‘1939’, generally good very fine (9)
£20000-26000
---
C.G.M. London Gazette 3 August 1943 ‘For gallantry in the face of heavy odds in landings near Tobruk.’ Just seven C.G.M’s. were awarded to the Royal Marines during the Second War.
The published citation states:
‘Corporal Povall was among the first in a party to land, under heavy enemy fire at Tobruk. On getting ashore, he rallied his platoon, proceeded to attack at the head of his men and was largely responsible for establishing a bridgehead among the enemy. Hand to hand fighting followed in which Corporal Povall’s skilful use of his bayonet and rifle was an example which instilled in his men the dash and offensive spirit which enabled them to sweep aside several machine-gun nests and a considerable number of the enemy. His gallantry and outstanding leadership were worthy of the high tradition of the Royal Marines.’
The following slightly more detailed account is taken from the original confidential recommendation submitted by R.M. Group M.N.B.D.O:
‘This N.C.O. landed in the first flight from H.M.S. Sikh at Tobruk on the night of 13/14 September 1942. On approaching the shore the tows came under heavy shell fire and mortar fire from shore positions resulting in many casualties and unforeseen difficulties in landing due to swell on a rocky foreshore.
On getting ashore Sergeant Povall rallied his platoon under heavy fire and was in no small degree responsible for forming a bridgehead. Although realising that the chances of reinforcements from the 2nd flight were negligible, he proceeded to the attack at the head of his men. By his example in the skilful use of his bayonet and rifle in close fighting, he instilled in his troops the dash and offensive spirit which enabled them to sweep aside several machine gun nests and considerable numbers of the enemy, some entrenched in fire positions.
Sergeant Povall by his gallantry, cheerfulness and outstanding leadership set an example in accordance with the highest traditions of the naval service.’
John Povall was born in Wem, Shropshire in August 1907 and enlisted into the Royal Marines in February 1926, giving his trade on enlistment as ‘gardener’. The majority of his service was with the Portsmouth Division aboard a variety of ships and establishments. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in June 1937 and advanced to Sergeant in March 1941. Povall was serving with the 11th Battalion, Royal Marines during the Raid on Tobruk in which he was injured and taken prisoner of war, before subsequently being repatriated. He was finally discharged ‘physically unfit for Royal Marine Service’ in May 1946.
Operation Agreement
This daring raid was conducted in an attempt to annihilate the vital Axis supply bases located at Tobruk, at a time when Rommel’s Afrika Corps was poised for a final push on Cairo while the legendary Eighth Army showed signs of faltering under the sheer weight of his offensive. By the late summer of 1942, Military Intelligence had set in motion a daring plan for a Battalion of Royal Marines supported by Special Forces and a sizeable Naval Flotilla, to go ashore at night and reap havoc among Tobruk’s supply dumps and local defences. With luck their efforts would relieve the pressure being placed on the hard-pressed Eighth Army and bring about a change of fortune.
In the event, a series of misfortunes resulted in an extremely costly and largely unsuccessful raid, but what has never been in dispute is the superb bravery and fighting spirit of the participants, Povall’s own citation bearing testimony to the close and ferocious nature of their advance.
The following extract from The Marines Were There: The Story of The Royal Marines in the Second World War, by Sir Robert Bruce Lockhart, KCMG, gives a good account of Povall’s part in the action:
‘The landing had failed. Less than a hundred men had survived the terrible passage from ship to shore. Their landing craft were smashed. Despair stared them in the face. But in Major Hedley [see original letter included with the lot] the survivors had a leader who personified optimism and who was able to inspire his men with the hope that defies all buffets of adversity. Deploying his little force and valiantly supported by Captain Wright, Lieutenant Powell, Lieutenant Dyall and Sergeant Povall, he led them forward, they soon ran into enemy and, opening fire, they had, in the words of Corporal Hunt, one of the survivors, “occasion to kill many Italians with bayonet and rifle.” [In another published account, Corporal Hunt goes on to say: “I could hear Sergeant Povall well up in the front shouting encouragement and appearing to enjoy himself. He used his bayonet with great effect on many occasions.”]
A little farther on, they found their way blocked by a strongly prepared defence position supported by heavy machine-gun posts. It was here that Major Hedley more than justified his high reputation as a pistol shot. Leading the assault himself, he and Sergeant Povall engaged a section post manned by six Italians. Sergeant Povall shot the first, but before he could reload Major Hedley had finished off the other five with his revolver. Pressing on with all speed in the hope of finding suitable cover before daybreak, they fought their way up the wadi. Then climbing a steep slope swept by fire they succeeded in crossing the skyline and, pushing on into another wadi, found shelter in some caves. Here they planned to remain until nightfall and then to advance again in the hope - after what they had come through a reasonable one - of joining up with British units. There were only seventeen of them left. Many had wounds, but the flame of their courage was undimmed. This time, however, fortune deserted the brave, for in the afternoon Germans in strong force surrounded the caves, and the seventeen were forced to surrender.’
Sold with the following archive of original documentation:
i. Parchment Certificate of Service, detailing all his postings from his enlistment in 1926 until his discharge in 1946.
ii. Typed letter sent on behalf of the Brigadier, Commanding Portsmouth Division, Royal Marines at Eastney Barracks, dated 9 October 1942: ‘I deeply regret to have to confirm that he [Povall] w...
-----
This lot description has been truncated. Please see the Dix Noonan Webb website for the full lot description.
Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria
Sale Date(s)
Venue Address
General delivery information available from the auctioneer
If you are successful in purchasing lot/s being auctioned by us and opt for the item/s to be sent to you, we will use the following methods of shipment:
Within the UK
If you live within the UK, items will be despatched using Royal Mail Special Delivery. This service provides parcel tracking (via the Royal Mail website) and next weekday delivery (betwen 9am and 1pm). Items delivered within the UK are covered by our insurance company. Heavy and bulky lots will be sent by courier, in discussion with the client.
Outside of the UK
If the item/s being sent are worth under £1000 in total they are sent using Royal Mail’s Signed For International service. This ensures the item must be signed for when it is delivered.
If the item/s being sent are valued at over £1000 in total they will be sent using FedEx. This service allows next day delivery to customers in many parts of the US and parcels are fully trackable using the FedEx website.
Shipping Exceptions
Certain lots such as those containing glass or sharp implements, etc., may not be suitable for in-house shipping within or outside of the UK. Please contact Noonans with any queries.
Important Information
Buyers Premium: 20%
Other Information: Please visit www.dnw.co.uk for more information
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL BUYERS
All lots in DNW auctions are automatically reserved at the bid step which reflects 80% of the lower estimate figure, unless otherwise instructed by the vendor.
All multiple lots (lots containing two or more items) with the exception of designated sets of notes, are sold as viewed and not subject to return. Buyers are recommended to view such lots.
Lots marked ‘x’ in dark blue are subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the EU.
Important Notice Advance Bidding Facility
Please note that our easy-to-use advance bidding facility, which replaces the ‘old-fashioned’ commission bid system, provides all bidders with total control over their bids right up to the point that the lot is offered for sale.
Bids made online cannot be seen by others and do not go live until the actual moment that the lot in question is being offered for sale. All bids can be easily altered or cancelled by the bidder prior to this point. An automated confirmatory email will be sent confirming all bids and alterations.
Anyone with a valid email address can easily register to bid online.
There is no additional charge for online bidding and it is not necessary to pre-register a payment card in order to do so.
It is recommended that all bidders execute their own bids, either prior to the auction by using this facility or live as the auction is taking place.
Whilst we are still happy to execute all bids submitted in writing or by phone, fax or any other method, it should be noted that all bids left with us will be entered at our offices using the same bidding facility to which all our clients now have access. There is, therefore, no better way of ensuring the accuracy of your advance bids than to place them yourself online.
For any support queries please contact: Ian Anderson ian@dnw.co.uk (+44) 20 7016 1751