Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 201

A remarkable 'Palestine 1946' B.E.M. group of six awarded to Warrant Officer S. Ashley, Royal Air Force Police (Special Investigation Branch), who was further 'mentioned' for his work

British Empire Medal, G.VI.R., Military Division (1142155 Flt/Sgt. Stanley Ashley, R.A.F.V.R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medal 1939-45; General Service Medal 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (W/O. S. Ashley. (1142155) R.A.F.), with M.I.D. oak leaf, light contact wear, overall very fine (6)

B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1947, the original recommendation states:

'This N.C.O. is employed on Special Investigation Branch duties. He was specially attached to the Tel Aviv Section to assist in the investigation into terrorist activities. He has been engaged in seven enquiries concerning raids on R.A.F. units, showing unflagging enthusiasm and endurance far beyond the normal call of duty. It is mainly due to his energy, courage and resource that Ben Shamay, the organiser of the raids and a very important member of N.M.O. Intelligence, was arrested.
(Supported by the Provost Mashal)'

Stanley Ashley was born at Kettering, Yorkshire on 17 October 1917, Joseph and Florence Ashley. He worked on a Dairy prior to being mobilised with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, for service in the Second World War.

After the end of the war Ashley was posted to Palestine and seconded into the Special Investigation Branch. Here he was heavily involved in fighting the developing Jewish insurgency, earning a 'mention' to go with his B.E.M. (London Gazette 29 June 1948, refers).

Returning to Britain after the war Ashley died at Ketting on 14 December 1971; sold together with copied census data, London Gazette entries and award recommendation as well as the original medal slip of issue.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£1,000

Starting price
£900