Orders, Decorations and Medals

A ‘Malayan Air Despatch Operations’ military B.E.M. group of eight awarded to Sergeant J. A. Thurlby, Royal Army Service Corps, who died in an accident in Malaya on 8 May 1950

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 2nd issue (T/5618348 Sgt. Joseph A. Thurlby, R.A.S.C.) minor correction to name, mounted as worn, in Royal Mint case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals, these unnamed; General Service 1918-62, G.VI.R., 1 clasp, Malaya (T/5618348 Sgt, RASC) this in named card box of issue, generally nearly extremely fine (8) £260-300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to the Army Service Corps.

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B.E.M. London Gazette 16 May 1950. ‘... in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Malaya during the period 1st July, 1949 to 31st December, 1949.’

Recommendation reads: ‘Sgt. Thurlby during the above period was called on to accept responsibility properly that of an officer. The duties were onerous and involved considerable physical labour in addition to administration, supervision and instruction of Air Despatch Crews. His untiring efforts, keenness, energy and willingness were an outstanding example to all personnel. He has flown many times on operational flights and the success of Air Despatch Operations were in large measure assisted by his advice. At the commencement of 1949 Sgt Thurlby’s knowledge of Air Despatch work was readily available to all personnel who required his help. As Air Supply grew during the year Sgt Thurlby set a standard of efficiency and hard work which would be hard to beat. Hours of work have been long and continuous but Sgt Thurlby accepted them with cheerfulness.’

Joseph Alfred Thurlby was born in Bwlchgwyn, Wrexham, Flintshire on 1 September 1920. A Game Keeper by occupation, he enlisted into the Devonshire Regiment (Regular Army) at Exeter on 13 December 1934. He was discharged on 23 July 1936 due to ‘ceasing to fulfil Army physical requirements.’ On 28 August 1939 he re-enlisted into the Essex Regiment (Regular Army) at Warley. He was transferred to the Royal Army Service Corps in November 1941, being posted to 72 General Transport Company. Serving throughout the war, he was transferred to the Army Reserve on 5 December 1946. In August 1947 he re-joined the Colours to extend service, being appointed Acting Corporal in January 1948 and to Acting Sergeant in February 1948. He was posted to 61 Company (General Transport) in December 1948 and then to 799 Company (Air Despatch). His service in the Company in Malaya during 1949 was to result in the award of a B.E.M. Sergeant Thurlby, B.E.M. died as a result of a motor accident on 8 May 1950. He was buried in Cheras Road Christian Cemetery, Kuala Lumpur. Sold with copied research.

GSM Malaya is an official later claim issued in 1998