Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine post-war B.E.M. and long service group of eight awarded to Chief Electrician E. B. Jarvis, Royal Navy, who was mentioned in despatches for his services in the destroyer H.M.S. Vanquisher

British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (Ch. El. Ernest B. Jarvis, C/MX. 844955)); British War and Victory Medals (J. 53191 E. B. Jarvis, A.B., R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, with Second Award Bar (J. 53191 E. B. Jarvis, P.O., H.M.S. Cumberland), the Great War and L.S. & G.C. awards polished, thus fine, the remainder good very fine (8) £400-500

B.E.M. London Gazette 2 January 1956. The original recommendation states:

‘Chief Electrician Jarvis, who was a pensioner in 1939 and who served throughout the war, has many years of highly meritorious service behind him.

Since joining the Chatham Division of the Reserve Fleet in June 1949, he has been largely responsible, as regulating Chief Electrician, for the organisation and working of a large electrical department which he has brought to a high state of efficiency. He has shown devotion to duty beyond that normally expected of a Chief Petty Officer. He has made great efforts to promote the welfare as well as the efficiency of those under him and has found time to be a prominent member of the Ship’s Welfare Committee.

His efficiency and devotion to the Service, combined with outstanding personal qualities of good temper and loyalty, have been a fine example to the Ship’s Company, by whom he is greatly respected.’

Ernest Benjamin Jarvis was born in north London in October 1899 and entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in May 1916. Having completed his initial training, he joined the battleship H.M.S. Benbow in June 1917, and remained similarly employed until the War’s end, gaining advancement to Able Seaman in February 1918.

Promoted to Petty Officer in April 1928, he was awarded his L.S. & G.C. Medal in December 1932, while serving in the cruiser H.M.S. Cumberland (ADM 171/142 refers) and a Bar in October 1951, while serving at the Chatham naval base Neptune (List 1302 RM/6083 refers).

His mention in despatches (London Gazette 1 January 1943) was in respect of services in the destroyer Vanquisher, which ship lent valuable service at Dunkirk and was present at the Normandy landings; sold with an original letter from the Office of the C.-in-C., The Nore, enclosing a copy of the citation for his B.E.M., dated 15 May 1956, and copied service record.