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Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 333

The 'Royal Marine Mobile Naval Base Defence Organisation, Sicily 1944' B.E.M., '1958' Order of St John group of nine awarded to Sick Bay Petty Officer H. E. Brice, Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve

The Most Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem, Serving Brother's Badge, silver and enamel; British Empire Medal, G.VI.R., Military Division (S.B.P.O. Herbert E. Brice. D/S.B.R./X 6117); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R. (6117 H. E. Brice. L.S.B.A. R.N.A.S.B.R.); St. John Service Medal, silver (15270 H.Sgt. H. E. Brice. Fry&Sons Div No2 Dis SJAB 1936.), mounted as worn in that order, minor enamel damage to the first, otherwise very fine (9)

B.E.M. London Gazette 8 June 1944, the original recommendation states:

'Recommended for the unfailing energy and efficiency with which he has carried out his duties in the hospital and in the field throughout his 14 months service with the R.M. Group MNBDO II. The initiative which he has shown in mastering unfamiliar routines and his constant devotion to duty in varied and often trying conditions have provided a fine example.'

Harold Ernest Brice was born at Bristol, Gloucestershire in 1904, the son of Ernest and Florence Brice of 7 Mitchell Road Redfield Bristol, Bristol. He was serving with the Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve during the Second World War, being posted to Royal Marine Mobile Naval Base Defence Organisation II. This unit was formed on 1 January 1941 and based on Hayling Island, near Portsmouth and was involved in the Air and Coastal Defences for the next two years. Posted to the Middle East in early 1943 many units saw detached service with the Eighth Army. Later they were to join this same formation in Sicily. After the war he became a Serving Brother with The Order of St. John on 10 January 1958, having served as a Sergeant with The St. John's Ambulance Brigade; sold together with copied research comprising London Gazette extracts, a medal roll and recommendation for award.

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Sold for
£450

Starting price
£700