Five: Captain P. P. H. Ongley, General List, attached to the Psychological Warfare Branch, late Intelligence Corps

1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, good very fine and better (5) £100-£140

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, 15 December 2011.

M.I.D. London Gazette 23 May 1946:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Mediterranean Theatre.’

Philip Percy Henry Ongley was born in London on 24 November 1911. He enlisted into the Corps of Military Police (T.A.) on 16 May 1940 but was transferred to the Intelligence Corps in July 1940 and then to the Royal Army Service Corps in October 1940. On 26 November 1942 he was posted to the Psychological Warfare Branch, being appointed a Local Staff Sergeant in August 1943. This tiny unit was involved with propaganda amongst other things. On 15 September 1944 he was discharged to a commission, being appointed to an Emergency Commission into the General List as Second Lieutenant permanently attached to the Psychological Warfare Branch. Promoted to War Substantive Lieutenant in March 1945, Acting Captain in June 1945 and Temporary Captain in September 1945, he relinquished his commission on 17 June 1946, and was granted the honorary rank of Captain. Ongley served during the Second World War in North Africa, 26 November 1942-15 September 1944 and with the Central Mediterranean Force, 16 September 1944-12 March 1946. He later settled in Australia, employed as a Company Director and married in Elizabeth Bay, New South Wales. Latterly living at 14 Cliff Street, Watson’s Bay, N.S.W., he died on 30 September 1973.

Sold with the recipient’s original M.I.D. certificate, War Office letter to accompany the M.I.D. emblem; War Office letter re relinquishing his commission; medal forwarding slip; Officers’ Release Book; portrait photograph; together with copied Marriage and Death Certificates and other research.