Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Second World War ‘Mine Disposal’ George Medal awarded to Chief Petty Officer A. T. Bennett, Royal Navy

George Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (C.P.O. Arthur Thomas Bennett. P/J 29122) mounted as worn, in card box of issue, toned, extremely fine £2000-2500

G.M. London Gazette 7 March 1941:

‘For gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty.’

The original recommendation states:

‘Chief Petty Officer Bennett helped Lieutenant Glenny, D.S.O., D.S.C., R.N., to render safe and recover the first “D” type mines off Liverpool, he also assisted Probationary Lieutenant G. A. Hodges (George Medal: Gazette 20/12/40) with the “D” type mine at Creetown. During the recent land-mine campaign he has been continuously employed collecting mines believed to be of new types and transporting them to the investigation range. This work, which has included rendering safe some of the mines, he has carried out without help. He has shown the greatest zeal and cheerfulness, and he has set a splendid example.’

Arthur Thomas Bennett received his George Medal at a Buckingham Palace investiture held on 17 June 1941.

The two officers referred to in the above recommendation - Lieutenants J. E. M. Glenny, D.S.O., D.S.C., R.N., and G. A. Hodges, G.M., R.N.V.R., ‘a modest master at Winchester College in peacetime’ - were active members of the mine warfare establishment Vernon at Portsmouth, then under the command of Lieutenant-Commander J. G. D. Ouvry, D.S.O., R.N., a pioneer in mine disposal whose story is related in Service Most Silent.

Sold with cloth mine disposal sleeve insignia, and some copied research.