Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War 1944 ‘Mediterranean Theatre’ B.E.M. group of eight awarded to Lance-Sergeant W. W. Brander, Royal Corps of Signals, late Scottish Horse and a Kite Balloon Officer in the Royal Air Force

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (2582218 L/Sgt. William W. Brander. R.C.S.) edge prepared prior to naming; British War and Victory Medals (2/Lt. W. W. Brander. R.A.F.) both with re-engraved naming; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (8) £200-240

B.E.M. London Gazette 21 June 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Mediterranean Theatre.’

The Recommendation states: ‘For meritorious services in Athens in December 1944, in repair and laying of telephone lines. Lance Sergeant Brander has repeatedly shown the greatest determination, energy, and ingenuity in keeping telephone lines working in conditions of great difficulty. On one typical occasion when ordered to repair a line to an isolated detachment, he was warned by infantry outposts that it was not safe to proceed further, but in spite of this he took his detachment on, successfully restored communications after repairing ten breaks, and withdrew his detachment unharmed.’

William Williams Brander, of East Derham, Norfolk, was born in 1892 and served with the 2nd Battalion, Scottish Horse during the Great War, before being commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force, as a Kite Balloon Officer, on 6 October 1918. He transferred to the unemployed list on 30 November 1919, and subsequently served during the Second World War in the Royal Corps of Signals in the Mediterranean Theatre. He died in 1950.

Sold together with the named Buckingham Palace enclosure for the B.E.M., this repaired.