A SECOND WORLD WAR GROUP

A SECOND WORLD WAR GROUP to Major T P Simmonds 10th Parachute Battalion, late Sussex Regiment and Recce Corps . Mentioned in Despatches in 1940; 1939 to 45 Star, Defence Medal and War with MID. LSGC GVI Regular Army bar. Correctly impressed to 6394041 WO Cl 2 T P Simmonds Recce Corps. Condition GEF in box of issue; First three swing mounted on bar. Simmonds was a member of the 2nd battalion The Royal Sussex Regiment, In the Pre-war years he served in India and took part in many shooting and sporting competitions. As part of the BEF, the 2nd Bn sent to France in April 1940. Simmonds was Mentioned in Despatches for 'Service in the Field' in France between March 1940 and June 1940. The awarded was announced in the London gazette on 20th December 1940. Simmonds was then transferred to the Reconnaissance Corps and awarded the Long Service Good Conduct with them in 1941. He was then commissioned as a Lieutenant Quarter master in the Reconnaissance Corps on 21st April 1942. In 1943 the 2nd Battalion formed 10th Parachute battalion. Simmonds returned to the 2nd and complete his training to become a qualified Paratrooper. On 16th August 1943 he was promoted to Major. It seems that he didn't take part in any further fighting and likely continued in his role as Quartermaster. A copy photograph with the group shows Simmonds with the rank insignia of Major with Parachute Regiment Beret and Reconnaissance Corps Collar dogs. The photograph states India 1943 to 1945, which may indicate Simmonds was transferred to the 50th Parachute Brigade. Simmonds retired in 1955. In civilian life it seems he considered applying for a civilian quartermaster position with 22nd SAS upon their transfer to headquarters in Herefordshire. The group comes with the following items Framed Mention if Despatches Certificate 20th December 1940 ' Company Sergeant - Major T P Simmonds The Royal Sussex Regiment. Dog tags 231858 T P Simmonds With documents to show that he applied and possibly worked with 22nd SAS regiment in the 1960's as an ex officer in an Admin / Quarter Master role Copy Photograph of the recipient after commission. Major in rank. Copy photographs of the recipient in India Pre WW2. Commission documents from 20th November 1945. Lieutenant. Parachute Regiment old Comrades Association Membership Card Numbered 4500 An early Parachute Regiment association Tie Silver Hallmarked Trophy Cup ' 1934 SGTS Mess Meeting L/SGT T Simmonds' Broken Silver Plated Trophy '1934 Minns Rapid Fire Cup L/SGT T Simmonds Regent Silver Plate Tankard ' L/Cpl Simmonds T. A Coy - Rifle 300 - 1927 Rawal Pindi India Eight Shooting Medals bearing the emblem of the Royal Sussex regiment. Four in silver, Hallmarked. All named to the recipient Eight Western Command 'India' Shooting Medals. Named the recipient. Six in White metal. Eight Post War Shooting Medal 'BOAR' With Game & Fishing Book, detailing his hunting record from 1947 until 1955. 2nd Bn Royal Sussex Christmas card.