Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A post war O.B.E. group of ten awarded to Lieutenant Colonel V. A. Blake, Hampshire Regiment, later Hampshire and Isle of Wight Cadet Force

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 2nd type ; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (5486259 W.O. Cl.2., Hamps. R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals with M.I.D. oak leaf; Regular Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (5486259 W.O.Cl.II, Hamps. R.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R. (5486259 W.O.Cl.I. (M.B.E.) Hamps.); Cadet Forces Medal, E.II.R. (Lt. Col., O.B.E., A.C.F.) mounted court style as worn; together with corresponding miniatures, these with first medal detached from loop, generally good very fine or better (20)
£1200-1500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Hampshire Regiment.

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Collection

M.B.E. London Gazette 28 June 1945.

The following is extracted from the original recommendation:

‘Capt Blake is the Quartermaster of this battalion and has held this position since it embarked for active service in January 1943. By his outstanding devotion to duty in the most trying, arduous and often difficult and dangerous circumstances, he has maintained the highest standard of administrative efficiency. At the beginning of September 1944, this battalion moved up from Central Italy, after a period of rest and reorganisation, to take its part in the final assault on the Gothic Line. The bulk of the work of reorganisation and re-equipment had fallen to Capt Blake, who certainly laid the foundation of subsequent successes in battle.




In a major action between 15 Sep 44 and 17 Sep 44 – the capture of Bagli and Cerasola – the battalion underwent a severe test of its administration in the field. Although our lines of communication were under observed shellfire, the coys never lacked supplies. This officer’s unswerving devotion to duty in face of some of the worst shellfire the battalion has experienced was directly responsible for this. Casualties were numerous at it was due to Capt Blake’s efforts and initiative that reinforcements were speedily equipped and sent forward.

Many subsequent actions were fought in the most difficult circumstances up to the crossing of the Costna River in November and throughout all this time the administration and supply were of the highest order, and this is to be directly attributed to the personal courage and leadership of the Quartermaster.

At the beginning of November, the Battalion was ordered at extremely short notice to proceed to Taranto, from where they eventually embarked for Greece. Once again there were many problems concerning both the handing-over and taking-over of stores and equipment in the two countries, which were solved by him in record time.’


O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1969.

The following is extracted from the original recommendation:

‘After a long and meritorious career in the regular army Lieutenant Colonel V.A. Blake became a Cadet Staff Officer in 1956.  He was commissioned for service as an Army Cadet Forces officer and has performed his duties in an exemplary manner over a period of twelve years. Although the way in which he has carried out his normal duties is worthy of recognition, it is what he has done for the Army Cadet Force in his own time which singles him out as worthy of an award.

In his own time he has regularly visited the forty-eight detachments spread over Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and encouraged and stimulated all ranks by his keen interest in all activities.  He has supervised and assisted in a wide range of activities such as Range Days and competitions between the Combined Cadet Force and the Army Cadet Force, and his officers have been solely responsible for the worthwhile results obtained in the county as a whole.  He has taken a particular interest in games and athletics and has helped to organise the Athletic meetings of the County, District and Command. He is most active in his role of Deputy Commandant and his knowledge, advice and co-operation have been invaluable to five County Cadet Commanders over a period of twelve years.

After his long period of services in the regular army Lieutenant Colonel Blake could have been expected to relax and enjoy his retirement, and it is greatly to his credit that he chose instead to continue in the service of his country. Lieutenant Colonel Blake is 67 years of age and his time for retirement cannot be long delayed.  When the time comes the Army Cadet Force in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will lose a valuable and much loved supporter.  His complete dedication to duty, his exceptional loyalty and devotion is an example and inspiration to all with whom he comes in contact. He has the proud record of over fifty years in uniform, and is specially deserving of recognition for service above and beyond the normal call of duty.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 23 September 1943.

Sold with the following original documentation:

M.I.D. certificate: ‘Captain (Quartermaster, Hampshire Regiment - 23 September 1943’, this with some damage

Three commission documents: Warrant Officer II, 27.3.1934, Warrant Officer I (Regimental Sergeant Major), 30.11.1938, Lieutenant (Quartermaster), 2.6.1942; second Lieutenant, 10.6.1955.

Second Class Certificate of Education; Discharge Certificate; various news cuttings, photographs, etc.