Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Rhodesian M.L.M. group of six attributed to W. J. Burden

Rhodesia, Legion of Merit, Member’s (Civil) breast badge, silver, gilt and enamel; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, all unnamed, some contact marks, nearly very fine fine and better (6) £200-300

Awarded the Order of the Legion of Merit, Member’s (Civil Division) badge on 11 May 1979.

‘He has devoted most of his spare time, upon an entirely voluntary basis, to assisting in the rehabiltation of those who have been disabled through disease, accident or the war. Mr Burden has made, and continues to make, an outstanding voluntary contribution to the community. He has rendered distinguished service to Rhodesia.’

William Jack Burden was educated at Shaftesbury Grammar School, entering, September 1931; served in the Cadet Corps, appointed a Prefect April 1937; in the Cricket XI and Athletics Team, 1938; and passed the Cambridge Higher School Certificate Exam in July 1938. During the war he served in the Royal Navy, being commissioned a Sub-Lieutenant in May 1946 and Lieutenant in June 1950. Later employed in Southern Rhodesia. At the time of his award he was Head of the Personnel Department of Intaf.

With original commission document appointing him Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, dated 6 June 1950; Government House letter, dated 23 March 1979, confirming the award of the M.L.M., signed by Acting President H. B. Everard; three congratulatory letters; a press cutting in which the award is listed; cards (2) re the presentation at Government House, Salisbury, 11 May 1979; a copy of the citation; investiture card; official photograph of the presentation and copied extracts for The Shastonian - Shaftesbury Grammar School Magazine.