Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Great War O.B.E. group of five awarded to Captain J. H. Phelps, Director of the Red Cross Motor Launch and Hospital Ship Department, Mesopotamia

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil Division) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1918; 1914-15 Star (J. H. Phelps, B.R.C. & St. J.J.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Capt. J. H. Phelps); France, Croix de Guerre 1914-1915, with one gilt and one silver star on riband, mounted for display within an old Spink & Son glazed case, together with a set of related miniature dress medals and tunic ribands, generally very fine or better (10) £320-380

O.B.E. London Gazette 30 March 1920.

Joseph Harold Phelps was appointed to the temporary rank of Hon. Captain in July 1917, ‘whilst employed with the British Red Cross Society’ (London Gazette 27 July 1917, refers).

As per the above London Gazette entry, his O.B.E. was awarded in respect of his services as Director, Red Cross Motor Launch and Hospital Ship Department, Mesopotamia. He was also mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 3 June 1919) and the Handbook of the Order of the British Empire, 1921 verifies his Croix de Guerre ‘with two citations’.

Phelps was permitted to retain his honorary rank on ceasing to be employed with the B.R.C.S. (London Gazette 7 December 1920, refers).