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Auction: 23113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 568

The well-documented Cold War 1990 M.B.E. and 1989 Commander in Chief's Commendation group of five awarded to Frontier Service Leader T. G. 'Tommy' Jones, British Frontier Service, late Royal Artillery and Royal Military Police

Having served in Germany in the closing moments of the Second World War, Jones went on to spend over four decades there, mostly in important and under great tension on the Inner German Border with the British Frontier Service; along the way he greatly assisted the military operations in the zone - perhaps lending a hand to members of BRIXMIS - and forged a name as an expert guide for journalist and VIP visitors alike

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd Type, Civil Division, Member's (M.B.E.) breast Badge, silver, in its case of issue; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Commander in Chief's Commendation, silver and enamel, the reverse marked '925' and officially numbered '4', good very fine (5)

M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1990 (Frontier Service Officer Grade 2, Ministry of Defence).

Commander in Chief's Commendation (Civil), approved by General Sir Brian Kenny on 21 August 1989. The citation states:

'For the last 15 years Mr Jones has stood sentinel at the point where the forces of East and West meet. As a member, and since 1984 the Leader of the small detachment responsible for British matters on the Inner German Border, any mistake on his part could have led to a serious International incident or even the loss of British lives. But through his loyal and dedicated service, well beyond the call of duty, working long and often unsocial hours and in all weathers, he has personally ensured the safe conduct of thousands of British servicemen and others on patrols and visits along the Border.

He has become a legend in his own time, respected and admired by British and Germans alike. It has been due to his selfless and devoted efforts that the standing of the British in the eyes of the German Border authorities has never been higher.

During 16 years in the Army followed by 28 years in the Joint Services Liaison Organisation in Germany he has consistently enhanced the standing of Great Britain, never more so than by his current distinguished service, from which he is due to retire. He has served his country in an outstanding manner.'

Thomas George Jones - or Tommy to his friends and comrades - was born at Liverpool on 26 January 1925. He joined the General Service Corps and thence the Royal Artillery, with whom he served from 29 April 1943-25 October 1948. This service saw him share in the advance to the Elbe in the closing months of the Second World War (France and Germany Star, Defence and War Medals 1939-45). Joining the Royal Military Police on 26 October 1948, he served mainly in Germany and also a posting in Hong Kong from 19 April 1955-6 May 1958, joining the Special Investigation Branch in October 1953.

In 1960, Jones joined He joined the British Frontier Service in 1960. The Service was established in 1946 and its personnel served on Germany's international borders with Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium before focusing on the inner German border. It was charged with a number of tasks, including assisting the movements of British military personnel and their dependents, monitoring the border regions and helping to defuse border incidents. It was ultimately disbanded following German reunification.

Jones moved to Helmstedt in 1974 and became the Head of the Service in 1983, by which time it had only four personnel left. During that period he became well-known as a guide for Western journalists and visitors to the inner German border and it was estimated he escorted up to 5,000 visitors a year along the border. Jones was clearly crossing paths with plenty of individuals of interest and his knowledge would have been highly valuable to the military units that were in the region, including those of British Commanders'-in-Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany (BRIXMIS). Surely his knowledge would have assisted in their probing into East Germany in that period.

He was awarded the Commander in Chief's Commendation & Badge and the M.B.E. followed upon his retirement. It is understood he became a Chelsea Pensioner. In his own words:

'...I never [got] frustrated. It is important to show people this border. It is impossible to imagine it or to describe it...for 16 years at Helmstedt, the East German border guards never spoke to me... All they did was take pictures of me from behind bushes. When the border was opened, suddenly the East German guards decided they wanted to try and shake my hand. But I didn't feel like shaking their hands.'

Sold together with an impressive original archive of unpublished material including:

(i)
Warrant for the M.B.E.

(ii)
Commander in Chief's Commendation Certificate and Badge, this marked '925' and numbered '4' to reverse.

(iii)
Three Regular Army Certificates of Service.

(iv)
British Frontier Service Wings, with 'BFS' to centre.

(v)
A file with German Border maps, marked 'RESTRICTED'.

(vi)
A file with letters of congratulation and relevence to his career and awards, including from Senior Officers with whom he worked.

(vii)
Various identity cards and Passports.

(viii)
A section of the Berlin Wall, mounted on a wooden base, with plaque stating 'Tom Jones MBE Berlin Wall 12 Nov 89 Certified Authentic 2 REGT RMP'.

(ix)
Bronzed statue, the base with plaque stating 'To Tom Jones with lasting friendship and Best Wishes 664 Sqn AAC - 27 Oct 89'.

(x)
A bronzed plaque, with a goat and thunder bolt design, stating 'To Mr Tom Jones BFS Field Station Langeleben 1989'.

(xi)
A series of images of military vehicles and sites in the regions that he worked.

(xii)
A copy of Spearhead - The story of the First British Corps, the inner inscribed 'To Tom Jones from Lieutenant General Charles Guthrie and all past and present members of 1st British Corps, in appreciation of your dedicated service, help and friendship. 12 December 1989' and a copy of The Contract by Gerald Seymour, the inner inscribed for his assistance.

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Sold for
£600

Starting price
£420