Bertram Garth BLOOMER

Bertram GARTH BLOOMER. OBE Colonel Royal Engineers. 63542 143 Field Park Squadron. Born 25 October 1914, in Warwickshire, died in Malta 20 January 1997. Son of Bertram and Laurie nee Brittle. Husband of Olive H Bloomer nee Steele.

Awarded Chevalier of The Order of Leopold II with palm and croix de guerre 1940 with palm.

Citation – Action for which commended –

Major Bloomer commanding the Field Park Squadron of this Division throughout his advance through France and Belgium. In this capacity he organised the supply of bridging equipment and every kind of RE material required to make the advance possible. With unfailing energy and resource, he had not only organised the supplies but ensured their punctual delivery, so far from doing his job from the rear he did almost entirely by being ever present in the forward areas in his Jeep and working by R/T. Frequently he was present at initial reconnaissance’s of jobs to be done thus saving many hours of time in delivery of stores. This Officer’s personal energy, drive and competence made a large contribution towards speedily opening up the Divisional axis through France and Belgium for which outstanding service he is recommended for this award.

When awarded his OBE, in 1957, he was temporary Lieutenant Colonel 32nd Assault Engineer Regt. Royal Engineers.

Citation – OBE – New Year 1957 at Berham Down.

Lieutenant Colonel Bloomer has commanded his regiment with the greatest zeal and keenness. In spite of many difficulties and frustration due to restrictions of manpower and to rapid turnover of both officers and men he has managed to inspire all ranks with his own enthusiasm of the diverse tasks of this unit. It is due almost entirely to his personal efforts that the annual RE Demonstration mounted by the Regiment has been so successful in each of the two years that he has run it, including also a special performance for the BBC television in 1955 that obtained an excellent audience rating. It is equally due very largely to his interest that the unit this year reached the UK final of the Army Rugby Football Club. That the morale of the regiment never was higher than any previous time during the six years I have known it is, I consider due to Lt. Colonel Bloomer’s personal efforts and to the way in which he gives almost every moment of his time both on and off duty to the furtherance of their welfare and repute. Imperturbable in crises his leadership has been an example to all ranks and is worthy of very high praise.

At rest in St Lawrence Cemetery, Birgu Malta.