ALMONDS, John Edward
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Known as:
Gentleman Jim
Rank:
Sergeant (later Major )
Unit / Base:
8 Commando
'Special Air Service'
Prior Police Service:
Bristol City Police
Regiment/Corps:
Coldstream Guards
Special Air Service Regiment
Gloucestershire Regiment
Service:
Army
Number:
2655648 and 333683
Honours & Awards:
Born:
Thursday, August 6, 1914
Birthplace:
Lincolnshire
Died :
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Age:
91
John Almonds, an Army Reservist of the Coldstream Guards, joined the Bristol Police Force in 1936. In December 1939 Police Constable Almonds, married, and residing at 15 York Street, Bristol, was re-called to his Regiment [1][1a].
Known as Gentleman Jim he volunteered for the Commandos and served in No.8 Commando embarking with them for operations in the Middle East as part of Layforce. When his unit was being disbanded he transferred to the newly raised 'L' Detachment SAS [2].
- 15.08.1932 enlisted Coldstream Guards, civilian occupation 'Manservant' [1b].
- 22.06.1936 transferred to the Army Reserve. Recalled December 1939 [1b].
- ---.12. 1941 participated in SAS operations at Nofilla Aerodrome and Aghelia. Awarded the Military Medal [3].
- 14.09.1942 captured near Benghazi and housed at Campo 51 (Altamura). He and three others escaped on 4 February 1943 but, after travelling for 12 days over hills in poor weather to reach the coast, were forced to give themselves up due to weakness and being unable to find a boat [3].
- 03.09.1943 at the time of the Italian Armistice he escaped from Campo 70 (Monturano) reaching Allied forces 14 October 1943. Awarded a Bar to the Military Medal [4].
- 10.09.1944 (Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant) (Special Air Service Regiment) commissioned Second Lieutenant [5].
- 04.11.1946 Lieutenant, Gloucestershire Regiment [6].
- 12.03.1951 promoted Captain, Gloucestershire Regiment [7].
- 31.12.1960 relinquished commission on completion of service. Granted honorary rank of Major [8].
Sources
[1] Report in the Western Daily Press 12 December 1942.
[1a] The 1939 Register covering Bristol C.B.
[1b] Coldstream Guards Enlistment Registers.
[2] Obituary Daily Telegraph 13 September 2005.
[3] London Gazette 35799, page 5142 & National Archives file WO373/46/49.
[4] London Gazette 36486, page 1926 & National Archives file WO373/94/511.
[5] London Gazette 36837, page 5726.
[6] London Gazette 38051, page 3935.
[7] London Gazette 39168, page 1286.
[8] London Gazette 42256, page 492.
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