Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second World War mine clearance B.E.M. group of four awarded to Lance-Corporal R. Hoy, Royal Engineers, who ‘detected, lifted and defused approximately 300 mines’ while employed in No. 7 Bomb Disposal Company, R.E.

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (11425714 L./Cpl. Robert Hoy, R.E.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Bomb & Mine Clearance 1945-49 (11425714 Spr. R. Hoy, B.E.M., R.E.), ‘B.E.M.’ and unit officially corrected on the last, good very fine or better (4) £1200-1500

B.E.M. London Gazette 23 March 1945:

‘In recognition of gallant conduct in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner.’

The original recommendation states:

‘Lance-Corporal Hoy has been employed with this company on bomb and minefield clearance since October 1943. In January of this year he was a member of a working party engaged upon clearing mines in the Sidmouth area, where he detected, lifted and defused a large number of mines. He worked on minefields at Polridmouth in February 1944 and also at Magerperth in March 1944, after which he gained promotion to Lance-Corporal. In June 1944, he worked both as detector and digger man at Holywell Bay, a very dangerous and difficult minefield. From July to November 1944, he worked on minefields at Seaton, Portland and Wyke Regis. In all he has detected, lifted and defused approximately 300 mines. Lance-Corporal Hoy has always been a most confident and steady worker, at home in any role on a minefield, and one who inspired confidence in those who worked with him or under his charge.’

Robert Hoy was from Stirling.