Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A post-Second World War ‘Mine Clearance’ B.E.M. group of five awarded to Shipwright Artificer George de Courcy Foxwell, Royal Navy

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Shpt. George de C. Foxwell, P/MX.54924 R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, these unnamed; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (MX.54924 G. de C. Foxwell, B.E.M., Shpt. Art. 2 H.M.S. Hartland Point) last with everything after ‘Art.’ officially re-impressed, very fine (5) £360-420

B.E.M. London Gazette 22 January 1946. ‘For great courage and devotion to duty which greatly helped in saving H.M.S. Aries after she struck a mine off Trieste on 2nd July 1945.’

The recommendation reads: ‘Immediately after the explosion, Shipwright Foxwell, without thought for his own safety, commenced shoring up a main W.T. bulkhead that was panting and threatening to collapse under the pressure of the water. Despite rapid flooding of the compartment in which he was working, he efficiently reinforced the main bulkhead and worked there until the water had risen to 5 foot 5 inches above deck level (his own height) and further shoring had to be abandoned. His courageous action undoubtedly preserved the stability of the Ship. By his courage, skill, foresight and cheerful devotion to duty in Damage Control, he contributed much to saving the Ship and encouraging others in their tasks. His endurance under trying conditions was noteworthy.’

With named Buckingham Palace slip to accompany the B.E.M. and with copied gazette extracts and recommendation.