Orders, Decorations and Medals

Five: attributed to Captain P. P. H. Ongley, General List, attached to the Psychological Warfare Branch

1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oakleaf, all unnamed as issued, good very fine and better (5) £100-150

M.I.D. London Gazette 23 May 1946. ‘... in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Meditterranean Theatre.’

Philip Percy Henry Ongley was born in London on 24 November 1911. Ongley enlisted into the Corps of Military Police (T.A.) on 16 May 1940 but was transferred to the Intelligence Corps in July 1940 and then to the Royal Army Service Corps in October 1940. On 26 November 1942 he was posted to the Psychological Warfare Branch, being appointed a Local Staff Sergeant in August 1943. On 15 September 1944 he was discharged to a commission, being appointed to an Emergency Commission into the General List as 2nd Lieutenant permanently attached to the Psychological Warfare Branch. Promoted to War Substantive Lieutenant in March 1945, Acting Captain in June 1945 and Temporary Captain in September 1945. On 17 June 1946 he relinquished his commission being granted the honorary rank of Captain. Ongley served in North Africa, 26 November 1942-15 September 1944 and with the Central Mediterranean Force, 16 September 1944-12 March 1946. Ongley later settled in Australia, employed as a Company Director and married in Elizabeth Bay, N.S.W. Latterly living at 14 Cliff Street, Watson’s Bay, N.S.W., he died on 30 September 1973.

With original M.I.D. certificate, War Office letter to accompany the M.I.D. emblem; War Office letter re relinquishing his commission; medal forwarding slip; Officers’ Release Book; portrait photograph; together with copied Marriage and Death Certificates and other research.