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Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 173

'Many of these men were conscientious objectors who refused to bear arms but were quite willing to jump or glide into action as medical orderlies. Their levels of education, skill and courage were exceptional and every man could feel confident he would be looked after, if wounded, as well as was humanly possible.'

Lieutenant-General Sir Napier Crookenden, heaps praise onto the Airborne Medical Services.

An Airborne conscientious objector's group of four awarded to Private S. Ormerod, Royal Army Medical Corps (Airborne)

1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, unnamed as issued, together with his named O.H.M.S. box of issue, good very fine (4)

Samuel Stanford Ormerod was born on 15 February 1916 and in his youth worked as a Tailors Assistant whilst a member of the Christadelphian movement. At the age of 17 he joined the Methodist Church and became a Church Officer. On the outbreak of the Second World War Ormerod registered himself as a Conscientious Objector with the Registration Form, dated 2 March 1940, stating:

'The basis of my objection is founded on the fact that I regard the teaching of Jesus Christ as final in all issues, therefore I cannot take part in the use of armed force.

Up to the age of 17 I was connected with the Christadelphian movement as a Sunday School scholar but I later transferred my interests to the Methodist Church, of which I am still a member and Church Officer.'

Despite this he joined No. 8 Company, Royal Army Medical Corps, on 13 June 1940 with the grade of Nursing Orderly Class I. With this unit he served with the 1st Airborne Division, ending his service in Norway and being released on 3 June 1946. His testimonial states:

'A reliable soldier and Nursing Orderly who has performed his duties in a conscientious and efficient manner. Hardworking and willing.'

Sold together with an impressive archive comprising:

(i)
Two conscientious objector Registration forms.

(ii)
Soldier's Service and Pay Book.
iii)

Soldier's Release Book.

iv)
Record of Service Card and two identity tags.

(v)
A shaving mirror in a leather case.

(vi)
Pocket bible.

(vii)
Red cross armband, 1st Airborne Division shoulder patch and gilder arm patch.

(viii)
Riband bar.

(ix)
Three photographs.

(x)
Red cross I.D. card.

(xi)
Two 1st Airborne Division orders of service, one entitled 'Farewell Service' and the other 'Thanksgiving Service'.

(xii)
Three guidebooks to the city of Oslo.

(xiii)
Two Norwegian business cards, one in an envelope stating 'This is a souvenir from Norway to your birthday from Bjorn Kildeborg'.

(xiv)
A 20,000 mark Reichbanknote.

(xv)
Pamphlet entitled 'Allied Forces in Norway, Extracts from Standing Orders'.

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

Sold for
£550

Starting price
£140