WWI-WWII-1950’s dispatch helmet and insignia archive belonged to the renowned British Arab Legion Commander, Sir John Bagot Glubb, also known as “Glubb Pasha” and “The Second Lawrence of Arabia.” This collection was acquired directly from his granddaughter by another collector before arriving at MWH. Although the helmet and insignia are not directly named to him, the collection unmistakably aligns with his career. The British-made dispatch helmet dates back to around WWI-1920s. The collection also includes five Albuhra Middlesex Regt unit insignias, with some being prong-back, as well as insignia from his tenure as commander of the Arab Legion from the 1940s to 1956.
Sir John Bagot Glubb, commonly known as "Glubb Pasha," was a notable British Army General who played a significant role in the Middle East during the first half of the 20th century. Born in 1897 in Lancashire, England, Glubb was educated at the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich and was commissioned into the Royal Engineers at the outbreak of World War I. He saw service in France and was severely wounded, but it was his post-war service in Iraq and Transjordan that would define his military career.
In the interwar period, Glubb's love for the Arab culture and his fluency in Arabic set him apart from many of his peers. In 1930, he transferred to the British Colonial Service and played a significant role in pacifying the tribes of Iraq. His success there caught the attention of the Transjordan's British overseers, and in 1939, he was appointed the commanding officer of the Arab Legion, Transjordan's British-officered army. Under his leadership, the Arab Legion became one of the most effective military forces in the Arab world. Glubb's deep respect for Arab culture, combined with his military brilliance, transformed the Legion into a disciplined and formidable force.
Glubb's service with the Arab Legion saw its involvement in crucial events in the Middle East, including the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. However, his service came to a sudden end in 1956 when he was dismissed by King Hussein of Jordan as part of the King's move to strengthen Jordanian sovereignty and reduce British influence. Despite the abrupt end to his career in the Middle East, Glubb's contributions to the Arab Legion and his deep understanding and respect for Arab culture left a lasting legacy. After leaving Jordan, he returned to Britain, where he wrote extensively about his experiences and the Middle East until his passing in 1986.
*The last photo is from his Wikipedia page and he appears to be wearing the same or similar insignia as included in the sale. Photo of Glubb is not included in the sale.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bagot_Glubb
Awards:
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (1956)
Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (1946)
Distinguished Service Order (1941)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (1924)
Military Cross (1918)
Order of Saint John (1954)
Kings Police Medal (1939)
1914-1915 Star