British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.B.E. group of four awarded to Major A. W. East, Bedfordshire Regiment

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1919; 1914-15 Star (2 Lieut., Bedf. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Major) very fine (4) £280-320

M.B.E. London Gazette 3 June 1919 (Balkans). ‘T./Lt. (Local Major), Gen. List.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 11 June 1918. ‘T./Lt. (A./Capt.), Gen. List.’

Arthur William East was born on 22 September 1885. Living at 7 Moon Street, Luton, he attested for the 2nd (City of London) Battalion London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) on 12 September 1914. Firstly as a Private, then as a Lance-Corporal, he served with the regiment in Malta, 23 December 1914-25 March 1915. He was discharged to a commission in March 1915, being posted to the 10th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. He entered the Salonika theatre of war in November 1915 and continued to serve there throughout the war, serving on the ‘General List’ and attaining local rank of Major. Listed in 1918 Army List as ‘Lieutenant (Temporary Major )(Adjutant Infantry Base Depot, 28 April 1918), 1 July 1917. For his services he was mentioned in despatches and awarded the M.B.E. With copied m.i.c., service papers and gazette extracts.