The Collection of Medals Formed by Bill and Angela Strong

A Second World War ‘North Africa’ B.E.M. awarded to Private P. Murphy, Pioneer Corps

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (No.13100875 Pte. P. Murphy, Pioneers) engraved naming; together with a copy British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (13100875 Pte. Patrick Murphy) impressed naming, very fine and better (2) £300-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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B.E.M. London Gazette 16 September 1943. ‘... in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa.’ ‘No. 13100875 Private Patrick Murphy, Pioneer Corps (Liverpool).’

Recommendation states: ‘On Friday, 4th December, 1942 on the Quai Sud, Bone, this man was on duty as part of a labouring group sent out by this Coy. The Petrol Dump caught fire owing to enemy action and the Ammunition Dump began to explode. Amongst the exploding ammunition he dragged several men from the fire and carried on with this rescue work for two or three hours after being wounded.’

Patrick Murphy was born in Liverpool on 8 April 1906. Was serving with the 209th Company Pioneer Corps at the time of his brave action at Bone. Entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star with clasp, Italy Star, France and Germany Star and War Medal. With named B.E.M. forwarding slip, copied gazette extract, recommendation, and service notes.

See lot xxxx for the B.E.M. group to Miley for the same action.