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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 371

The 'Cardiff Blitz' B.E.M. group of two awarded to Miss B. Philips, A.R.P. Mobile Nursing Unit, who, for her fortitude and courage when her unit was struck by incendiary bombs, immediately fighting the resulting fires and only revealing a serious injury to her abdomen when they had been extinguished

British Empire Medal, civil division, (Miss Betty Philips), on ladies bow riband; Defence Medal 1939-45, minor contact wear, very fine (2)

B.E.M. London Gazette 6 June 1941, the official citation states:

'During an air raid a Mobile Unit was struck by a number of incendiary bombs. Miss Phillips, notwithstanding that she had been seriously injured by a splinter of a H.E. bomb, immediately attacked the resulting fires and helped to remove the medical equipment to safety. It was not until the fires had been successfully extinguished and the equipment removed that she disclosed the fact that she was wounded. Miss Phillips showed pluck and devotion to duty.'

Betty Phillips was born in 1910 and worked as a Shop Assistant prior to the war, living at 16 Mundy Place, Cardiff. Served during the Cardiff Blitz, winning her B.E.M. during the raid of 3 March 1941 when bombs fell upon a number of places within the city. Notable targets included Howard Gardens School, St. David's Cathedral, the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, the Docks and large parts of Cardiff City Centre. The original recommendation provides more details on the incident, stating:

'Miss Philips has been an active and enthusiastic Volunteer Member of No. 3 Mobile Unit, Cardiff, since the outbreak of War and has frequently walked to her Post during air raids. On the night of the raid of 3rd March she reported for duty as usual. The Mobile Unit was then stationed at Park End Church, which was subsequently struck by a number of incendiary bombs. Miss Phillips, notwithstanding that she had been seriously injured in the abdomen and thigh by a splinter of a H.E. bomb, immediately attacked the bombs and the resulting fires with energy and daring assisted in removing the medical equipment to safety in the basement. It was not until the fires had been successfully extinguished and the equipment removed that she disclosed the fact that she was wounded. She was immediately attended to and removed to Hospital, where she is still detained, suffering from the effects of her injuries.'

Sold together with and A.R.P. cap badge and St. John Ambulance War Service badge named '568' as well as copied research including London Gazette entries, census data and a copy of the original recommendation.


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Sold for
£2,800

Starting price
£520