Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Rhodesia Police Decoration for Gallantry (P.D.G.) pair awarded to Section Officer B. E. N. Marshall, British South Africa Police, who was severely wounded in a “contact” with terrorists

Rhodesia Police Decoration for Gallantry (6188 S./O. B. E. N. Marshall); Rhodesia General Service Medal (6188 S./O. B.E.N. Marshall), lacquered, good very fine and better (2) £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Keith Holshausen Collection.

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One of only 24 Rhodesia Police Decorations for Gallantry awarded during the Bush War years.

Marshall was presented with his Police Decoration for Gallantry (P.D.G.) by the President, the Honourable Clifford Dupont, at the first investiture of Rhodesian awards to be held at Government House, Salisbury, on 13 October 1971 (authority Rhodesia Government Notice 1570 of 1970), the citation stating:

‘On 10 April 1968, Section Officer Marshall led a Police Anti-Terrorist Unit that was part of a combined security force engaged in anti-terrorist operations. A band of terrorists was located hidden in a good defensive position, the approaches to which offered virtually no protective cover. During the ensuing engagement Section Officer Marshall laid down concentrated rifle fire. Despite the grave risk of exposing his position, he shouted to the Army Commander drawing his attention to a terrorist gun position. He expended his rifle ammunition but continued the attack using his pistol. Whilst doing so he was shot and sustained a serious head wound and other injuries. Throughout this operation Section Officer Marshall proved himself to be a capable and fearless leader and he displayed brave and gallant conduct above the normal call of duty.’

Benjamin Edwin Noel “Ben” Marshall was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, on Christmas Day 1940, and attended Norwood College, Harrogate from 1948-1957, where he was Senior Prefect position - his Headmaster’s confidential report to the British South Africa Police prophetically stated, ‘I think he would be a very suitable candidate for the post.’ Duly attested into the Force in July 1960, he subsequently served at Borrowdale, Norton, Mtoko (where he was promoted Section Officer in June 1965), Karoi, Nyamapanda, Sipolilo, Mashaba, Chiredzi, Morris Depot and Tomlinson Depot.

Marshall, who was awarded the Rhodesia General Service Medal in February 1970, retired on medical grounds in July 1975 after 15 years in the Force, his conduct being described as ‘Exemplary’. Sadly he never fully recovered from his wounds and died in 1984; sold with the recipient’s original P.D.G. Certificate of Award, in blue B.S.A.P. folder, and a quantity of copied research.