The Second World War O.B.E., R.R.C. group of six awarded to Principal Matron C. Pyke, Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type lady’s shoulder badge, silver-gilt, mounted ‘bow and tails’, in Royal Mint case of issue; Royal Red Cross, 1st Class (R.R.C.), G.VI.R. 1st issue, silver-gilt and enamel, reverse dated, ‘1940’, on bow ribbon, in Garrard, London case of issue; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine, M.I.D. oak leaf (Matron, Q.A.I.M.N.S.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals, G.S.M. with minor contact marks, very fine and better (6) £800-900

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to the Medical Services formed by Colonel D.G.B. Riddick.

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O.B.E. London Gazette 30 December 1941.

R.R.C. London Gazette 11 July 1940.

M.I.D. London Gazette 15 September 1939.

Cecilia Pyke was born on 30 March 1895, the daughter of a farmer. Educated at St. Felix School, Southwold and the Domestic Science College, Radbrook. She trained as a nurse at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, 1915-19 and was selected as a Staff Nurse in the Q.A.I.M.N.S. on 1 September 1920. Appointed a Sister on 1 July 1926, she attained the rank of Matron on 13 October 1938.

She served in Palestine, 1936-39, and was mentioned in despatches and awarded the General Service Medal with clasp.

Serving during the Second World War she was awarded the O.B.E. and R.R.C. for her services, and on 19 June 1942 attained the rank of Principal Matron. She finally retired from the Q.A.I.M.N.S. on 17 May 1946.