Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 21001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals (conducted behind closed doors)
Lot: 695

(x) Four: Corpral J. T. Owens, Royal Marines, a confirmed member of the Special Boat Service who served on active operations against the enemy

General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (Mne J T Owens PO53064V RM); Operational Service Medal 2000, for Sierra Leone (Mne J T Owens PO53064V RM); Iraq 2003-11, 1 clasp, 19 Mar to 28 Apr 2003 (Mne J T Owens PO53064V RM); Jubilee 2002, mounted as worn, pin removed, good very fine (4)

Justin Thomas Owens was born in December 1971. His Testimonial perhaps offers the best career description:

'Owens joined the Royal Marines in March 1995 and successfully completed his basic recruit training culminating in the arduous commando course at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in February 1996. He was immediately drafted to serve with 42 Commando as an infantry rifleman, undertaking some testing exercises. In May 1997 he undertook specialist driver training before being drafted to the Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines.

In January 1999, Owens specialised as a Class 3 Landing Craftsman, qualifying him to operate small military raiding craft. On completion of his course, he was drafted to 539 Assault Squadron where he was immediately deployed on an operation to support the Sierra Leone government and was subsequently awarded the Operational Service Medal for his actions. It was not long before Owens found himself on another operational tour with the Senior Naval Officer Northern Ireland, where he assisted the authorities with maritime security operations around the inshore waters of Northern Ireland. For this task he was awarded the General Service Medal. This role required an extremely high level of skill in small craft operation, often in dangerous sea conditions. The experience he gained gave him the background required to be selected as an instructor within the 1st Assault Group Royal Marines, Raiding Instruction Team from November 2001.

In January 2003 Owens was once more deployed on operations, this time to Kuwait where he subsequently participated in the initial assault of British Forces into Iraq. During a period of intense and prolonged operations under rigorous and testing conditions, he performed extremely well and was later awarded the Iraq Medal with Clasp. On completion of this operational tour, he successfully attended and completed a Class 2 Landing Craftsman course. This demanding course requires students to demonstrate a high level of command and situational awareness. Having achieved a good grade, he then completed further arduous command training at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines as was promoted to Corporal. On promotion, he returned to the Raiding Instruction Team and was responsible for the delivery of raiding training to the amphibious community.

In August 2004 Owens joined the Special Boat Serviec and completed specialist training to become a Special Forces Boat Operator. In this role he has participated in highly demanding exercises and discrete operations around the world in support of the United Kingdom Special Forces. He has excelled in this role and took on additional responsibility well above that expected of his rank, performing the role of a Boat Commander on a hugely complex, fast craft in a wide range of environmental conditions. Overall, Owens is an honest, hard working and competent individual, with a wide range of experience and I have no hesitation in recommending him to a future employer. 13 June 2008.'

He served initially with the Surface Manoeuvre Group, 'Z' Squadron, SBS and took part in Op Shavian in 2004. Given the fact that his Kit Book states the issue of Bates Boots and a Face Mask on 14 January 2008 and Desert Equipment on 20 February 2008, it is safe to assume Owens spent some time on active service in Iraq before his leaving the Special Boat Service later that year, having proven himself in the field as a first rate Boat and Team Commander; sold together with copied Certificate of Service, 7 Staff Reports, including his time in the SBS, original Kit Book, photographs, a number of certificates and copied research.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£1,500

Starting price
£1900