1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Efficiency Medal bar Territorial with 2 additional clasps (4383696 SGT. H. ROBINSON. GREEN. HOWARDS.)
Herbert Robinson was a 17 year old Joiner's Apprentice born in Bridlington when he enlisted with the 5th Green Howards for service on 10 January 1923. His battalion was already in France when war was declared and were caught up in the Battle for France as the German forces drove them to the coast.
On 19 May, the 5th battalion arrive in Arras where they were to spend the next five days defending the city. The order to withdraw almost came too late. The city was all but surrounded. At 2.30 am on the 24 May the battalion finally receives its withdrawal orders and begins the dangerous and difficult journey to Lille.
After the Battle of Arras the 4th and 5th Battalions make their way towards Dunkirk. It is a long, hot, and difficult journey.
‘I dared not take my boots off in case I never got them on again, my feet were so blistered. We marched over 36 miles that day. We panted along like loose-tongued dogs, our heavy equipment, blankets, shovels dragged us down and jolted painfully on our backs. We were exhausted and hadn’t eaten for the past 18 hours as we had no food supplies.’ – Captain Bob Metcalfe
Between the 30th and 31st May both battalions are tasked with joining the defence of Dunkirk. For this reason they are amongst the last troops to be evacuated. Robinson was initially reported as one of those Missing.
Having returned to England the 5th Battalion regrouped and were posted to North Africa/Middle East to face Rommel's Forces as part of the 150th Infantry Brigade. This Brigade was overrun by the DAK/Axis forces at Gazala on 1 June 1942 and those not killed were taken PoW. The 4th and 5th Bns Green Howards were later struck off the nominal role and the Brigade replaced temporarily for the 2nd Battle of El Alamein by the Greek Brigade.
Robinson was one of those "in the bag" - a Prisoner of War who was transported to Italy and then later on to Germany. He was repatriated when liberated and went on to serve, post-war, with Territorial Army on 11 August 1948 with number 22208734. He was awarded the Efficiency Medal in 1946 and the two date clasps are confirmed in the accompanying paperwork.
He died in Bridlington in 1978.
Sold with some copied research. Medals are in good condition unless otherwise indicated.
