Auction Catalogue

11 & 12 December 2013

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

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Lot

№ 164

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11 December 2013

Hammer Price:
£190

A Second World War M.B.E. group of five attributed to Chief Officer O. McCurdy, Merchant Navy, who was decorated for his gallant deeds on the occasion the S.S. St. Anselm was torpedoed and sunk in June 1941 - namely his subsequent inspiring command of an open boat for 18 days

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver, the riband with later gallantry emblem, in its Royal Mint case of issue, with old pasted-down typed statement to lid confirming it as the award bestowed on McCurdy, and signed by him; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine and better (5) £150-200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to Merchant Seamen and D.E.M.S. Gunners.

View A Collection of Awards to Merchant Seamen and D.E.M.S. Gunners

View
Collection

M.B.E. London Gazette 16 January 1942:

‘The ship was torpedoed in darkness, and after 20 minutes sank. Lives were lost in the explosion but all the survivors got away in the boats. The Chief Officer and the 26 men in his charge were at sea for 18 days before being picked up. Mr.McCurdy kept good discipline and routine throughout, and by his seamanship saved the lives of his comrades.’

Oswald McCurdy was born in Liverpool in December 1909 and, having gained his 1st Mate’s ticket in October 1934, was serving as First Officer of the S.S.
St. Anselm at the time of the above related events in June-July 1941. His subsequent wartime appointments included the tankers Empire Silver and Empire Bombardier, and he appears to have come ashore in the late 1950s.

Sold with original Continuous Discharge Certificate declaration cards (4), dated and signed by McCurdy between 1927-49, together with a file of research, including the official report into the loss of the
St. Anselm.