Orders, Decorations and Medals

An interesting ‘peace-keeping’ M.B.E. pair awarded to Major J. E. K. Goodbody, Devon and Dorset Regiment, for outstanding services in British Guiana during outbreaks of violence in 1964

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) 2nd type breast badge; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Kenya (Lt. J. E. R. Goodbody, Devon) not incorrect third initial, good very fine (2) £400-450

M.B.E. London Gazette 12 June 1965.

The recommendtaion states: ‘Major Julian Edmond Kingsford Goodbody, 1st Bn. The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, Rifle Company Commander. Major Goodbody’s performance under the extremely testing conditions of aid to the civil power in British Guiana has been outstanding - particularly as he is a very young company commander - only recently promoted to Major.

In May 1964 his Company was flown out from the United Kingdom at very short notice; within a few hours of landing it was then flown into Mackenzie, a mining community seventy miles up country from Georgetown, where the police and local volunteers were unable to control very ugly inter-racial strife in which many people had been killed or injured, and where houses and property were being destroyed. Under his resourceful and energetic leadership, the situation was quickly restored, the minority race safely evacuated and the wave of arson, rape and looting rigorously suppressed.

In July 1964, again in Mackenxie, a further serious outbreak of violence suddenly and spontaneously occurred, without warning, against the remaining members of the minority race. Because of his forethought in planning for this eventuality and the speed, energy and thoroughness of his counter-measures, the near massacre of some one hundred and twenty men, women and children was narrowly avoided. The latter were safely collected, despite the attempt of very hostile crowds, fed, administered and safely evacuated. Unquestionably only Major Goodbody’s foresight, leadership and strong counter-measures saved a tragedy.

On these and other occasions over a number of weeks, often under conditions of great strain and provocation, this young Company Commander has shown exceptional qualities of calm leadership, which have saved the lives and property of a number of innocent people.’