Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An M.B.E., K.P.M. group of eight awarded to Superintendent and Deputy Chief Constable Leonard John Quelch, Oxford City Police

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; King’s Police Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, for Distinguished Service (Supt. Leonard Quelch, Oxford City Police); 1914-15 Star (10444 Cpl. L. J. Quelch, R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (10444 Gnr. L. J. Quelch, R.A.); Defence Medal; Coronation Medal 1953, these unnamed; Police Long Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Supt. Leonard J. Quelch) mounted court style for wear, good very fine and better (8) £600-700

M.B.E. London Gazette 31 May 1956. ‘Superintendent and Deputy Chief Constable, Oxford City Police Force’.

K.P.M. London Gazette 1 January 1949. ‘Superintendent, Oxford City Police Force’.

Leonard John Quelch was born in Oxford. A Solicitor’s Clerk by occupation, he attested for the Artillery on 31 August 1914, aged 19 years, 9 months. Posted to the R.F.A., he served in France, 8 July 1915-16 July 1917 and in Salonika, 14 July-24 December 1918. In May 1920 he joined the Oxfordshire Constabulary, transferring to the Oxford City Police in February 1925. Promoted to Sergeant in November 1928; Inspector in April 1935; Chief Inspector in January 1939 and Superintendent and Deputy Chief Constable in January 1940. During the Second World War he was in charge of the Civil Defence of Oxford. For his services as a senior officer in the Oxford City Police he was awarded the K.P.M. and M.B.E. Superintendent Quelch retired from the Force on 31 December 1957 and died on 7 March 1975.

With a folder of research, with copied photographs.