Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.B.E. group of three awarded to Captain George Henry Bratby, Royal Garrison Artillery

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1919; Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (34548 Coy. Sejt. Major, R.G.A.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (34548 C.S.M., M.B.E., R.A.) mounted court style for wear, good very fine (3) £280-320

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Long Service Medals from the Collection formed by John Tamplin.

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M.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1919

George Henry Bratby was born in India c.1867. He enlisted into the Royal Artillery at Jersey, aged 14 years, 9 months, on 22 August 1882. He was attested as a Boy in August 1882, then as a Trumpeter in August 1883. Ranked as a Gunner in November 1885, he gained the rank of Sergeant in January 1889 and attained the rank of Company Sergeant-Major in January 1902. He was discharged at Stratford, East London, on 15 May 1907, having served throughout in the U.K. During the Great War he was recalled and rejoined the Royal Artillery, serving throughout the war in the U.K. He was appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the East Anglian (Essex) Heavy Battery, R.G.A. (T.F.) on 8 July 1915; the same day he was appointed a Temporary Captain. On 3 June 1916 he was seconded for duty with the Regular Artillery, being promoted to Lieutenant whilst retaining his temporary rank. On 14 October 1917 he was appointed Acting Captain. For his wartime services he was awarded the M.B.E. On 15 November 1919 he relinquished his acting rank and was restored to the establishment of the R.G.A. (T.F.). Lieutenant Bratby, having attained the age limit, retired on 16 June 1921 and was granted the rank of Captain. He was awarded the M.S.M. and Annuity in 1942, by Army Order 230 of December 1942. Captain Bratby, M.B.E., M.S.M., died on 20 December 1952 at 149 Auckland Road, Croydon.

Sold with copied service papers and other research.