Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War M.B.E. group of six awarded to Warrant Officer Class 2 N. W. E. Smith, 11th Hussars and Royal Armoured Corps

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, 1 copy clasp, 8th Army; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (550009 W.O. Cl.2 N. W. E. Smith, M.B.E., R.A.C.) mounted court style for display with a pre-war G.S.M. ribbon, some contact marks, very fine and better (6) £200-£240

M.B.E. London Gazette 14 October 1943:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East’

The original Recommendation states: ‘Since September 1942 this W.O. has been employed as R.Q.M.S. to the 11th Hussars. During the advance from El Alamein to Tripoli this Regiment was in constant touch with the enemy necessitating almost daily moves of the Echelon and for 2 months of this period, in the absence of the Quartermaster, R.Q.M.S. Smith carried out the exacting duties of Quartermaster. The fact that he was able to keep the Regiment supplied under the most difficult conditions reflects the very greatest credit on his powers of organisation. His tireless energy and devotion to duty at all times set a great example to all who came in contact with him. This W.O. has served continuously with the 11th Hussars in the Western Desert since hostilities commenced in June 1940 as Troop Leader, SQMS, S.S.M. and now R.Q.M.S. I recommend he be awarded the M.B.E.’

Norman William Ernest Smith was born in Bath on 28 March 1910. He joined the 11th Hussars in December 1929, and was promoted to Lance-Corporal in March 1931; Corporal in August 1932; Lance-Sergeant in October 1934; and Sergeant in June 1937. He served with the Regiment in pre-War Palestine, and was promoted to Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant in March 1941 and Warrant Officer Class II in March 1942. Recommended for the M.B.E. in April 1943, he was promoted to Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant in June 1943, and was awarded the M.B.E. for his services in North Africa. According to his service record he served in the I.S.R.S. (Inter Services Research Bureau) from 1942 to 1945, also known as “Station X”, which was a secret British Special Operations Executive factory making special weapons and equipment during the War. This S.O.E. factory produced important espionage equipment ranging from the Welbike used by Paratroopers to the Welrod pistols. On Smith’s gravestone there is reference to ‘C.D.G.’ and ‘D.S.E.’ being place after his name which may suggest he earned French awards for the War.

Smith re-engaged to complete 22 years in October 1950, and was discharged in October 1952. He died in May 1980.

Note: Another group to R.Q.M.S. Smith, similar to the above but having the G.S.M. Palestine and without the Army L.S. & G.C., was sold in these rooms in 5 April 2006, with these two groups being based around separated named medals.

Smith is confirmed as having served from 1942-45 with the Special Operations Executive Weapons factory the I.S.R.S. (Inter Services Research Bureau).