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Auction: 24002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 203A

A 1972 M.B.E. pair awarded to Miss M. A. Bellamy, an Ambulance Driver during the Second World War and the first female Vice-Chairman of the Grantham Borough Bench

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd Type, Civil Division, Member's (M.B.E.) Ladies' shoulder Badge, silver, in original Royal Mint case of issue; Defence Medal 1939-45, very fine (2)

M.B.E. London Gazette 7 June 1972:

'For services to the community in Grantham and Kesteven.'

Marjorie Anderson Bellamy was a long-time resident of Grantham, Lincolnshire and her obituary in the Grantham Journal makes note of her active role in local life. After taking an honours degree in History at St. Hugh's College, Oxford and gaining her M.A., Bellamy acted as Secretary of the Grantham and Kesteven Welfare Society for an impressive fifty years, in addition to being a magistrate and first female vice-chairman of the Grantham Borough Bench.

Her obituary highlights her contribution to the community during the Second World War:

'In addition, during the Second World War she was an ambulance driver, and frequently during air raids was in action with the Grantham Civil Defence members'.

Her numerous associations with Grantham organisations include being a trustee of the Grantham Almshouses, a governor of the local girl's school, a committee member of multiple organisations such as the Grantham Civic Trust, the Youth-Centre, the St. Wulfram's branch of the Association of Church Fellowships, the District Marriage Guidance Council, the St. Wulfram's church council, and also acted as chairman of the Women's Luncheon Club. Bellamy passed away peacefully at Grantham Hospital on 20 November 1978.

Sold together with a photograph of Miss Bellamy outside Buckingham Palace with her M.B.E., the Grantham Journal obituary, notification of award on 10 Downing Street paper, and original award warrant with signatures of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and of Queen Elizabeth II.

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Sold for
£140

Starting price
£60