Orders, Decorations and Medals

An M.B.E. group of three awarded to Second Lieutenant W. H. Gatfield, 16th London Regiment (Queen’s Wesminster Rifles), later Royal Army Service Corps, additionally entitled to an M.C. for the Great War

The Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) 2nd type, in Royal Mint case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (2. Lieut.) extremely fine (3) £140-180

M.C. London Gazette 2 December 1918: ‘He displayed conspicuous gallantry and resource during an attack when troops in front were held up by the intense machine gun fire from the enemy. He exposed himself with complete disregard for his own safety, getting in touch with other units and collecting and reorganising stragglers who had lost their officers. He set a very fine example to all around him and his efforts greatly contributed to the success of the operation.’

O.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1946: Major (Temporary) M.C., Royal Army Service Corps.

William Herbert Gatfield served with the 16th London Regiment during the Great War, serving in France from August 1917. During the Second War he received an Emergency Commission into the Royal Army Service Corps, with the honorary rank of Major. Please note that he was awarded the O.B.E. in the above Gazette but M.B.E. is sold with the lot.