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Auction: 22101 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 433

A rare and distinguished O.B.E. group of six awarded to The Reverend R. A. Harpur, Royal Army Chaplain's Department, who saw action in the European Theatre of the Second World War with 52nd Lowland Division, followed by the Far East, Egypt and Sudan, Korea and Cyprus in an astonishingly varied career

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, G.VI.R., Military Division, Officer's breast Badge, silver-gilt; 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and British War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, S.E. Asia 1945-46 (The Rev. R. A. Harpur. C.F.4. R.A.Ch.D.), mounted as worn, pitting and contact marks, nearly very fine (6)

O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1963, the official recommendation states:

'The Rev R.A. HARPUR joined Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe as the Senior Chaplain to the Forces, the only British Chaplain in May 1960. His parish extends over a wide area, since families at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe live in private accommodation at distances up to thirty miles from the Headquarters. Padre Harpur assumed his appointment at a time when there was no organised parochial activities and he had at first to overcome a general lack of interest in church affairs. By sheer hard work, far exceeding the normal call of duty, he has welded together the Church of England community, and, ably supported by his wife, has taken a leading part in the many committees and guilds at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe including youth clubs, Scouts and Guides which now flourish.

In addition to these activities the Rev Harpur has established excellent relations with the chaplains of various denominations and of nationalities at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, which was also lacking in the past. He has worked unceasingly towards this end, organising inter-denominational services which have been remarkably successful in bringing together the Christian communities of all nations represented at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. This is most essential since all communities are required to share the same chapel and halls for their religious services and activities.

He has done outstanding social and welfare work and through his high moral principles, devotion to duty and tactfulness has not only raised the standard of the British Church but also the British Army and people in the eyes of all nationalities comprising this North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Headquarters

For these outstanding services he is strongly recommended for this award.'

Robert Alexander Harpur was born on 23 December 1915, the son of Reverend C. Harpur. Beginning his military career early while at St. Edward's School Oxford from 1929-35, Harpur served as an Under Officer in the school's Officer Training Corps. Moving on to Brasenose College, Oxford where he rowed with the College eight in 1937-38 and played for the Rugby XV in 1938, he graduated on 13 October 1939 with a B.A. in Geography. Entering the Oxford House Mission in Bethnal Green that same month he spent a year with the institution performing social work in the surrounding area before joining Westcott House, Cambridge to study for his ministry, Harpur was awarded his M.A. on 18 July 1942.

Commissioned Temporary Chaplain to the Forces Class IV on 18 September 1943 Harpur entered the war in Belgium serving with Divisional Headquarters, 52nd Lowland Division, 21 Army Group from October 1944. This force was part of Montgomery's push into North Western Europe during which they saw hard fighting in both the Netherlands and Germany with their last engagement being the capture of Hamburg. After a brief period in Britain he embarked on 18 August 1945 for India where he joined 2nd Battalion, The Buffs. Arriving in South-East Asia on 21 December 1945, they served here and in Hong Kong until 1947; Harpur arrived back in Britain on 3 December 1947.

With the end of the War Harpur decided to join the Regular Army, attending training courses at the Royal Army Chaplain's Department with Scottish Command and later Southern Command; he was appointed to the Regular Army with the same rank on 9 November 1949. His first posting was with the Middle East Land Force at Church House, Fayid on 27 February 1950, promoted Chaplain to the Forces Class III before transferring to the Headquarters, British Troops, Sudan on 1 November 1951. Returning to the Britain on 4 September 1952 he was posted to Korea as Senior Chaplain to 1st Commonwealth Division on 23 September until 28 December 1954. Joining the British Army on the Rhine on 18 August 1959, promoted Chaplain to the Forces Class II on 1 June 1960, Harpur acted as Chaplain with S.H.A.P.E. in Paris from 7 May 1960-15 February 1963.

His final military posting was as Deputy Assistant Chaplain General at Dhekelia, Cyprus from 14 January 1965-3 December 1967. Retiring on 19 December 1967 Harpur became a parish Vicar at Whalley, Blackburn from which he retired on 1980. He died at Morcombe, Lancaster on 4 September 1985; sold together with copied citation, Royal Army Chaplains' Department service records and record of probate along with London Gazette entry, an extract from Crockford's Clerical Directory, 1965-66 and handwritten research as well as a letter from the Brasenose College Archives.

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Sold for
£500

Starting price
£400