A Second World War B.E.M. group of five awarded to Petty Officer Rigger M. Philip, Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Reserve

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (P.O. Rgr. Melville Philip, R/JX. 196627); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (JX. 196627 Dev. B. 16527 M. Philip, A.B., R.F.R.), this last with minor official correction to surname, generally good very fine (5) £250-300

B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1945. The original recommendation states:

‘This Rigger has been exceptionally outstanding, both for his own example of seamanship and for his leadership in moulding together his Riggers Mates in H.M. Boom Defence Vessel Signet into a really first class team. On several occasions during last winter, great initiative was shown by this rating when extricating ships that had fouled the A./T. Baffle defences at Scapa during gales and his skill and behaviour were especially commended by the Commanding Officers of H.M. Ships Chaser and Fencer and also by the Chief Salvage Officer, Scapa, when these ships were being cleared by H.M.S. Signet.’

Melville Philip was invested with his B.E.M. at Buckingham Palace on 26 June 1945. The Boom Defence Vessel Signet went into Admiralty service in May 1939 and was based at Scapa by the time of the famous Royal Oak disaster in October of the same year; sold with full research.