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Auction: 23112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 655

An interesting Second World War U.S.A. Legion of Merit group of three awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel C. A. Surtees, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who was a member of the British Army Staff in Washington during the latter part of that conflict

Defence and War Medals 1939-1945; U.S.A., Legion of Merit, Officer's breast badge, unnamed as issued, in its original presentation case (this with his name taped to the top lid) complete with riband bar and boutonniere, extremely fine (3)

U.S.A. Legion of Merit, London Gazette 14 May 1948:

Lieutenant Colonel C. A. Surtees, as a member of the British Army Staff in Washington from February 1944 to October 1945, bore a large share of the responsibility for providing civilian supplies to liberated areas in Europe. His understanding of United Kingdom world supply potentialities, his unusual tact, resourcefulness and willingness to cooperate were of primary importance in the effective discharge of the combined civilian supply responsibilities.

Conyers Alfred Surtees was born in June 1907 and died in 1993. By profession a Solicitor in The City of London, on 27 August 1940 he enlisted with The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment but was shortly after sent away for officer training, and on 21 December 1940 Surtees was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry from 168th Officer Cadet Training Unit. His diplomatic efforts with the British Army Staff in Washington led to official recognition from the United States Government, and after active service he appears to have returned to his pre-war career.
Sold with a corresponding set of miniature Dress medals and a small amount of copied research.

For the General Service Medal of his son, 2nd Lieutenant Christopher Conyers Surtees (also of the Queen's Regiment), see Lot 302.

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Sold for
£190

Starting price
£110