Maj. T.J. Arnott 15/19 KRH April 1940

Discussion in '1940' started by battleofassche, Oct 18, 2018.

  1. battleofassche

    battleofassche Well-Known Member

    On 24 April 1940 Maj. Gen. Montgomery sacked Maj. T.J. Arnott who was then 2IC for 15/19 KRH. Arnott was then sent back to England to be reassigned to another post and eventually retired in 1946. Maj. W.R.N. Hinde became 2IC.

    I have been looking into the circumstances of his dismissal and have found a few brief mentions in various books like Hamilton's Monty and Mallinson's Light Dragoons. Montgomery was supposedly quite dissatisfied with the performance of 15/19 after a training exercise and commented they were more interested in setting up billets and messes than organized rehearsal for battle. I also noted in the 15/19 WDs for Jan-April 40 had many mentions of nonoperational activities.

    I was wonder if anyone had come across any details of the circumstances of his dismissal and where he was reassigned.

    Thanks in advance for any help.
     
  2. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Just for information

    It seems that in 1940 he was a Colonel
    UK, British Army Lists, 1882-1962
    Name: T. J. Arnott
    Military Year: 1940
    Rank: Colonel

    The other records show him being a Major from 1931 through to 1945


    UK, Military Campaign Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1949
    Name: T J Arnott
    Service Date: 1930-1931
    Service Place: India
    Campaign or Service: India - NW Frontier
    Regiment or Unit Name: 15th 19th The King's Royal Hussars
    Regimental Number: 497
    [As below]

    TD
     

    Attached Files:

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  3. battleofassche

    battleofassche Well-Known Member

    Thanks TD. Interesting. Courage's History of 15/19 KRH 1939-45 show him as a Major in 39/40. I also have officer returns from Feb and March 1940, from 15/19 WDs, showing him as a Major. There are several records for him in forces records showing him as a Major in 1932 and again in 1948. The earliest record is Lieutenant in 1920 with 15 KRH.

    I suspect he was reassigned to some training unit after he was dismissed but have not found anything yet to confirm it. Will keep digging for any details regarding his dismissal.
     
  4. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Wonder if this is him

    Family Tree - The Cobbold Family History Trust

    TD

    Thomas John Arnott
    1899–1979
    BIRTH 12 APR 1899
    DEATH 16 JUL 1979 • Swindon, Wiltshire, England

    F: John Alexander Arnott
    M: Coroline Sydney Williams

    His spouse:
    Lettice Mary Crompton-Roberts
    1903–1986
    BIRTH 23 APR 1903 • London, England
    DEATH 30 OCT 1986 • Cirencester, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, England

    Maj. Thomas John Arnott
     
    Last edited: Oct 19, 2018
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  5. battleofassche

    battleofassche Well-Known Member

    Thanks Mate. Age seems about right, this could be him but...

    Also just found this on The Peerage with some odd information. Same as your Geni link
    Person Page

    "He was educated at Eton College, Windsor, Berkshire, England. He fought in the Second World War, where he was mentioned in dispatches. He gained the rank of Major in the 15th Hussars."

    Our Arnott would not have fought or received an MID as he was dismissed before the start of the fighting, unless he was transferred to another unit and not sent back to England or the MID was later in the war. I'll see if I can find the MID in the Archive and determine the unit. Gaining the rank of Major in 15 KRH seems to match.. The 15/19 KRH was created, as part of the reduction in cavalry in the aftermath of the First World War, by the amalgamation of the 15th The King's Hussars and the 19th Royal Hussars on 11 April 1922 to form the 15th/19th Hussars. It briefly dropped the 19th numeral from its title in October 1932, becoming the 15th The King's Royal Hussars, before regaining it in December 1933.

    So not sure
     
  6. battleofassche

    battleofassche Well-Known Member

    Nothing for Arnott in Recommendations for military honours and awards 1935-1990 in the Archive. So still no luck...
     
  7. battleofassche

    battleofassche Well-Known Member

    I note The Peerage indicates he was awarded a Silver Star.

    Have just tried several websites that list Silver Star recipients but he doesn't show up. Are you aware of any sites that would list non-U.S. (British) recipients of the silver star medal?
     
  8. timuk

    timuk Well-Known Member

    London Gazette 10720, 11 Sep 18.
    Undermentioned Gentlemen Cadets From R.Mil.College to be 2ndLts 21 Aug 18.
    Hrs Thomas John Arnott
    (Hrs is presumably Hussars)
    There is also an entry in the Britain School and University Rolls 1914-18 showing T J Arnott, Eton College, 2nd Lt 15th Hussars.

    Tim
     
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  9. battleofassche

    battleofassche Well-Known Member

    Great! thank you for digging that out. I will do more digging to see if I can determine when he won his US silver star and the particulars.
     
  10. Guy Hudson

    Guy Hudson Looker-upper

    Screen Shot 2018-10-21 at 10.08.41.png
    London Gazette Friday 14th May 1948 p.2917

    Screen Shot 2018-10-21 at 10.03.33.png
    He purchased Wighill Park, Tadcaster in January 1945
     
  11. battleofassche

    battleofassche Well-Known Member

    Thanks to all, this helps piece together some details and suggests a further lead.
     
  12. battleofassche

    battleofassche Well-Known Member

    Just found his obituary in the 15/19 KRH Regimental Journal Vol 5 No 4 Jan 79 - Dec 79. which provides a few more details....

    MAJOR T.J. ARNOTT: Tommy Arnott died in July 1979 aged 80. He joined the 15th Hussars in 1918, and later was for a time the youngest Major in the Army. He saw service during the Indian Frontier disturbances of 1930, and served with distinction during the late war, being awarded the American Silver Star in the field. He was an enthusiast. Whatever task lay before him, he would involve himself in it to the full, paying immense attention to detail. He had a great and unusual sense of humour, being quick to notice little absurdities in life around him. He enjoyed everything to the full particularly Hunting and Polo. After retirement he became a hard working Honorary Secretary to the V.W.H. hounds and was well known for his witty speeches in that capacity. Later his enthusiasm lead him to revitalise his local branch of-the Royal British Legion, and during his tenure he increased the membership beyond all expectations. His sons Peter and Guy both served in the Regiment, as did his elder brother.
     

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