GROUPS AND SINGLE DECORATIONS FOR GALLANTRY 94
A Second War B.E.M. awarded to Foreman Engineer G. B. Cameron, John Brown & Co., Clydebank, for a gallant industrial rescue on board a ship which resulted in the loss of his arm
British Empire Medal, (Civil)
G.VI.R., 1st issue (George B. Cameron) in Royal Mint case of issue, extremely fine £300-400
B.E.M. London Gazette 15 August 1944: George Cameron, Foreman Engineer, John Brown and Company, Clydebank. ‘Cameron was one of a party who were conducting investigations in the engine-room of a ship. An apprentice who was in attendance caught the belt of his overalls in a coupling pin on the turbometer shaft which ran close behind him and which was revolving at the time. His cry of alarm brought Cameron to his aid and, with help, he dragged the victim free by tearing his clothes. In so doing Cameron was himself caught by the sleeve, and could not be freed. His forearm was so badly lacerated and broken by the revolving shaft, which could not be stopped for nearly two minutes, that his arm later had to be amputated at the elbow. Cameron well knew the danger of grave injury to himself that he was incurring when he went to the rescue. He showed complete lack of regard for his own safety and, by his prompt and energetic measures, saved the apprentice from serious injury. He displayed great fortitude while awaiting his release from the shaft and during his journey to hospital.’
George Bruce Cameron was 45 at the time of his act of gallantry, and had spent the past 28 years working for John Brown and Company, Clydebank. During the Clydebank Blitz of 13-14 March 1941 Cameron’s home was destroyed, on of over 30,000 homes were destroyed or damaged during that devastating Blitz. After he rescued the 19 year apprentice docker, Leonard Smith, Cameron was operated on abroad the ship before going to hospital. He received his British Empire Medal at an Investiture at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 22 September 1944.
95
A Second War ‘Home Guard’ B.E.M. pair awarded to Company Quarter Master Sergeant W. Edwards, Essex Home Guard
BRITISH EMPIREMEDAL, (Military)
G.VI.R., 1st issue (C.Q.M.S. William Edwards. H.G.); DEFENCEMEDAL, the B.E.M. struck on a slightly thinner flan, good very fine (2)
£200-240
Provenance: Norman Brooks Collection, Spink, July 2015. B.E.M. London Gazette 15 December 1944.
The Recommendation states: ‘This N.C.O. has rendered most valuable service to his Company ever since its formation. In addition to carrying out his normal duties in a most efficient and conscientious manner, he has lent accommodation for stores, vehicles, and offices; provided transport, labour, and materials of all kinds free of charge; and allowed the use of ground for training. He has acted in a most helpful and generous manner throughout.’
William Edwards was born in Dagenham Essex, in 1887, and served during the Second World War with the 9th (Mistley) Battalion, Essex Home Guard.
96
A Second War ‘Salonika’ B.E.M. group of seven awarded to Staff-Sergeant A. Q. Cooper, Southern Rhodesian Armoured Car Regiment and South African Armoured Corps
BRITISH EMPIREMEDAL, (Military)
G.VI.R., 1st issue (SR.597978V. S/Sgt. Alexander Q. Cooper S.A.A.C.); 1939-45 STAR; AFRICA STAR; ITALY STAR; DEFENCE ANDWAR MEDALS 1939-45; AFRICA SERVICE MEDAL (SR.597978 A. Q. Cooper) mounted as worn, very fine, the BEM rare to a Rhodesian (7)
£240-280
B.E.M. London Gazette 20 September 1945. The recommendation, dated 29 April 1945, states: ‘This N.C.O., of the Agricultural Branch, has been called upon to perform specialist duties. These duties he has performed, showing outstanding ability, initiative, and vision. Due to a shortage of personnel provided, he has carried out duties normally allotted to officers, and during the critical times in January 1945 showed an outstanding capacity for leadership. His work in the interests of agriculture in Macedonia has been most marked and he is respected by all with whom he comes into contact.’
Alexander Quibell Cooper was born on 15 May 1904 and attested as a Trooper in the Southern Rhodesia Armoured Car Regiment on 1 December 1942. He transferred to Prince Alfred’s Guard, as part of 11th Armoured Brigade, on 3 May 1943, and then to the South African Armoured Corps (Tanks) on 26 March 1944. He served with the Agricultural Branch, attached Headquarters, Salonika District, Greece, and was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services in Macedonia. He was demobilised on 12 November 1945.
One of only 15 British Empire Medals awarded to Rhodesians during the Second World War. Sold together with a Prince Alfred’s Guard cap badge and collar titles.
www.dnw.co.uk
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