A post-War ‘Hong Kong’ B.E.M. awarded to Staff Sergeant G. C. Thorneycroft, Royal Army Service Corps

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 2nd issue (7878481 S/Sgt. George C. Thornycroft, R.A.S.C.) nearly extremely fine £200-£240

B.E.M. London Gazette 8 June 1950.

The original Recommendation states: ‘Staff Sergeant George Charles Thornycroft joined HQ 40 Infantry Division when it formed at Colchester at the latter end of June 1949. He was immediately ordered to proceed overseas with a number of officers, clerks and other ranks being flown to Hong Kong to set up a skeleton divisional headquarters to deal with the situation there until the arrival of the main Divisional Headquarters in mid-September.
On arrival in Hong Kong it was found necessary to form immediately a divisional headquarters from the small party flown out which would be capable of carrying out the operational functions expected of a full headquarters, including the organisation of the clerical staff, and the putting up and equipping of the various offices. This allocation and supervision of the work fell on the shoulders of Staff Sergeant Thornycroft who alone had the experience required to accomplish this task.
The planning for the defence of the Colony was now set in train. This involved much clerical work of a highly secret nature which would be carried out by Staff Sergeant Thornycroft alone. This he performed single-handed in addition to supervising the routine work among all branches of the headquarters, solving their difficulties, and ensuring the setting up of a sound and efficient clerical system.
The strain of heavy work and long hours inevitable under these conditions on clerks unused to the climate would have undoubtedly brought about a break-down in their health. Owing to the very few clerks present with the headquarters at this time such a break-down would have exercised a very serious effect on the work. Staff Sergeant Thornycroft found time in addition to his other duties to proffer sound advice, organised recreational activities, reliefs and rest amongst the clerks under his charge. By his foresight he undoubtedly prevented a break-down of the clerical organisation and was responsible for maintaining his high standard of health, morale, and conduct so noticeable amongst the young soldiers comprising the headquarters staff at this time.
In no case did Staff Sergeant Thornycroft spare himself. Though unable himself for long periods to leave the office and obliged to work late at nights and even sleep in the office, he ensured that other clerks were not so confined. No task was too great and under his leadership all work was carried out cheerfully with exactitude and promptness. His outstanding example exercised notable effect upon the whole headquarters staff inspiring officers and other ranks to the accomplishment of tasks beyond what was to be expected of them. His devotion to duty, sound cheerful common sense, and exceptional efforts have contributed greatly to the organisation on sound and efficient lines of the headquarters staff of the 40th Infantry Division and to the successful accomplishment of the planning in time for the defence of the Colony against the contingency of invasion by the Chinese Communist Army.
Staff Sergeant Thornycroft’s conduct is most worth of recognition, not only on the account of his own exceptional performance during this period before the arrival of the main divisional headquarters, but also as an acknowledgement of the work carried out by the small clerical staff led by him under conditions of considerable discomfort and hardship, both then and subsequently.