Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War M.B.E., K.P.M. pair awarded to Chief Superintendent Alexander Bruce, Bristol City Police

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 1st type breast badge, hallmarked London 1919; King’s Police Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue (Alexander Bruce, Ch. Supt. & Ch. Clerk, Bristol City Pol.) nearly extremely fine (2) £400-£500

K.P.M. London Gazette 12 February 1917: ‘Alexander Bruce, Chief Superintendent and Chief Clerk of the Bristol City Police.’

M.B.E. London Gazette 30 March 1920: ‘For services in connection with the War - Alexander Bruce, Chief Superintendent, Bristol City Police.’

Alexander Bruce was born in 1866 at Turriff, Aberdeenshire, and joined the Bristol Constabulary on 2 February 1887. He was promoted to Chief Clerk in February 1898, to Superintendent in November 1900, and to Chief Superintendent in March 1916. He was specially commended by the Home Secretary in March 1918, on the recommendation of Colonel Kell, Chief of the Intelligence Department, War Office, London, for assistance rendered to that department in connection with aliens and suspected persons - within 24 hours of the Government giving orders for the internment of aliens after the outbreak of war all enemy aliens in Bristol had been arrested.

Bruce retired on pension in December 1922 and died at Southmead, Bristol, on 25 July 1931. Sold with comprehensive research.