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Auction: 17003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 710

Sold by Order and for the Benefit of Michael Sobell Hospice, Northwood

A post-war civil M.B.E. group of eight awarded to Lieutenant-Commander J. G. Shilcock, Sea Cadet Corps, Royal Naval Reserve

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, (M.B.E.), Military, Member's 2nd type breast badge; The Order of St. John, Serving Brother's breast badge, silvered-metal and enamel; 1939-1945 Star; Atlantic Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Cadet Forces Log Service Medal, E.II.R., with Second and Third Award Bars (Lt. Cdr. (SCC) J. G. Shilcock, R.N.R.), mounted court-style as worn, good very fine (8)

M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1978.

St. John, Serving Brother London Gazette 29 July 1982.

John Giles Shilcock was born in 1923 and was educated at Pangbourne College and Manadon Engineering College. Appointed a Midshipman (Engineering) in the Royal Naval Reserve in September 1940, he served at Tamar, the Hong Kong naval base, in the early part of the war and attained the acting rank of Lieutenant in May 1943. Later still, he was attached to the Sea Cadet Corps station at Faslane in Scotland, the beginning of a dedicated career spanning some 40 years.

During that lengthy career his roles included the management of Trafalgar Day celebrations, service as P.T. Officer for the Sea Cadets and Secretary to the Sea Cadets Sports Council. Ahead of his time, Shilcock famously provided the charges with every opportunity for independent action, seeing no point in adults completing a job which could be done so by a Cadet. On one occasion, he ordered a young coxswain to take charge of a whaler which was to ferry the Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke was duly impressed.

An obituary notice, written by a friend and published in The Old Pangbournian Record, stated: 'Throughout his life John was sustained by his quiet belief in the Christian faith. John was also 'old school' and taught pride in oneself and one's country. Cantankerous and forthright, he had an honesty of approach and was not afraid to ruffle a few feathers in order to give younger people a chance to prove themselves.'

Besides his Naval career, Shilcock's great passion was for the theatre - he stablished a 'stage club' whilst based at Tamar. He died in Malta in March, 2005; sold with his original M.B.E. warrant and copied research.

The proceeds raised as a result of this sale are for the benefit of Michael Sobell Hospice, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, which provides for patients suffering life limiting illnesses.

For the recipient's miniature dress awards, please see Lot 639.


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Sold for
£480