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Auction: 23113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 566

An unusual 1958 M.B.E. and Great War M.C. group of five awarded to Major J. L. Partington, Royal Engineers, who lost both his sons in the Second World War

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Civil Division, Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver; Military Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star (Lieut. L. J. Partington. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Major J. L. Partington.), mounted as worn and housed in a fitted leather case by J. R. Gaunt, Regent Street, good very fine (5)

M.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1958:

'British subject resident in the Argentine Republic.'

M.C. London Gazette 26 July 1918. A local Worcestershire newspaper gives more detail:

'After an enemy attack had developed and it became necessary to evacuate certain light railway rolling stock and personnel, he went forward and remained under severe shell fire during a night, organising the withdrawal.

It was due to his prompt action, courage and personal example that the evacuation was carried out successfully and most valuable property saved, including seven trucks of heavy ammunition from a dump, after orders had been for its destruction. Major Partington is the eldest son of the late Mr John Partington of Norton Grange, Worcester.'

John Laughton Partington was born in 1888 at Upton Snodsbury, Worcestershire and was educated at Worcester Cathedral School. Having trained as an engineer, he was working in Argentina upon the outbreak of the Great War. He was commissioned into the Royal Engineers and served in France from 12 August 1915, earning the M.C. and a 'mention' (London Gazette 11 December 1917, refers) for his troubles.

Returned to South America, he was married in January 1920 to Madeline Pleasance, whose parents were French and German respectively. A fine sportsman he also turned out in the Argentinian First Division Cricket League for Hurlingham Vs Belgrano in December 1920. Partington remained in Argentina as engineer of Saxby & Farmer, Buenos Aires. Having made a visit to England, he departed for Argentina in October 1939. Partington had sent both of his sons to Cheltenham College but the family would face tragedy during the Second World War. Both would lose their lives with the Royal Air Force, John Claude on 9 June 1941 and Rene Laughton on 6 October 1942. He was eventually rewarded with the M.B.E. for his services in Argentina.

For his miniature dress medals, please see Lot 708.

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Sold for
£950

Starting price
£550