Six: Major B. S. Fordyce, Royal Corps of Signals

1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Efficiency Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Militia (Lt. B. S. Fordyce. R. Sigs.); United States of America, Bronze Star, the reverse officially inscribed ‘Benjamin S. Fordyce’, generally very fine or better (6) £300-£400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of David Lloyd.

View
Collection

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, June 2000.

M.I.D. London Gazette 22 March 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe

United States of America Bronze Star London Gazette 17 October 1946.
The original Recommendation states: ‘Captain Fordyce has distinguished himself by meritorious achievement and service not involving participation in aerial flight.
A party of British Royal Signals had the task in June 1944 of providing line communications with Britain from the American Forces in the Cherbourg Peninsula. Included in the work was the establishment of a line communications centre to serve the needs of the American Headquarters near St. Sauveur. An essential cable distribution point was a blockhouse lately used by the enemy for a similar purpose and now on fire. Led by Captain Fordyce, a few men, stripped to the waist, removed a considerable quantity of ammunition and burning explosives from this blockhouse. Before the place was cool, the party commenced installation of equipment and establishment of communications
During the succeeding days ands weeks this officer worked with untiring energy on the establishment and maintenance of communications, often remaining on duty for days and nights without a break.
His zeal and devotion to duty and his skilful technical direction of the work and tactful handling of situations full of conflicting interests combined to make an outstanding achievement at that critical time in the operations.’

Benjamin Sydney Fordyce was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Corps of Signals on 18 October 1942, and served with them during the Second World War as a War Substantive Lieutenant and Acting Captain. He was awarded his Efficiency Medal on 24 October 1947, and was promoted Captain on 3 November 1949, with seniority from 5 January 1946. He was advanced Major on 17 October 1959, and relinquished his commission on 15 November 1965, being granted the honorary rank of Major.