Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Northern Ireland B.E.M. group of four awarded Sergeant A. Tempest, Royal Signals, for his ‘courage, devotion to duty, leadership and example’ as N.C.O. in charge of a Brigade Aerial Rigging Team in Belfast 1979-81 - an ‘often dangerous and vital appointment’

British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (24338190 Cpl. Andrew Tempest, R. Signals); General Service 1962, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (24338190 L. Cpl. A. Tempest, R. Signals); U.N. Medal UNTAG riband; Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., Regular Army (24338190 Sgt. A. Tempest, B.E.M., R. Signals), somewhat polished but generally very fine (4) £1000-1500

B.E.M. London Gazette 15 December 1981:

‘In recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland during the period 1 May to 31 July 1981.’

An accompanying congratulatory letter from Lieutenant-General Sir Richard Lawson, K.C.B., D.S.O., O.B.E., states:

‘This is the most fitting reward for your outstanding performance as N.C.O. in charge of the Brigade Aerial Rigging Team, 39 Infantry Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron in Belfast from January 1979 to July 1981. Your courage, devotion to duty, leadership and example in this often dangerous and vital appointment, have been of the highest order.’

Andrew Tempest subsequently served in 30th Signal Regiment and accompanied the small British contingent sent in support of the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (U.N.T.A.G.) in Namibia in 1989; sold with the recipient’s original certificate for this award, dated 1 March 1990, together with several other congratulatory letters in respect of his B.E.M., including examples from General Sir John Stanier, K.C.B., M.B.E., and Princess Anne’s Office, Buckingham Palace.