Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Fine George Medal and Binney Medal pair to Donald Smith, an actor and writer, for his part in fighting off a gang of drunken youths who were on the rampage, attacking people and property; a friend who assisted and was killed received a George Cross

George Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (Donald Smith), in Royal Mint case of issue; Binney Memorial Medal, bronze, 48mm. (Donald Smith 1964), in John Pinches, London case of issue, extremely fine (2) £1200-1500

G.M. London Gazette 25 June 1965. ‘Fourteen youths had been drinking at Kentish Town and had travelled in a van to Regents Park Road to a flat where two of them had been invited. They were in an extremely rowdy mood shouting and swearing. The fourteen were refused entry to the flat and some of them immediately attacked the occupier. Others went to a dairy opposite and from crates left outside, began to bombard the flat with milk bottles, resulting in all the windows being broken, also the window of the shop next door. Some of the youths were attacking the occupier of the flat, some were throwing dozens of bottles and all were shouting, swearing and milling about. Although there were several onlookers, it appears they were all too frightened to interfere. In an endeavour to protect his property, the dairyman, Mr Griffiths, went into the street where he was immediately attacked by being butted, kicked and knifed in the groin.

Mr Smith and his friend (Michael Joseph Munnelly) were the occupants of a third floor flat and hearing the noise of breaking glass and shouting, looked out of the window and saw Mr Griffiths was on the ground being kicked. Smith decided they must go and help him and ran to the street. The van, which had left the scene, then returned and was followed into the next turning by Smith. In an attempt to stop the van, Smith banged on the side and the van stopped. He grabbed a youth who was sitting next to the driver. This resulted in a cry for help, the rear door of the van opened and several of the youths attacked Smith until they had kicked him senseless. Smith was a mere onlooker who could have stayed in the safety of his home, but without thought for himself went to the assistance of Griffiths who exposed himself to great danger in an attempt to prevent further trouble.’

Michael Joseph Munnelly, a journalist, was awarded the George Cross for the same incident. Smith, having stopped the van and grabbed a youth was being attacked by the gang; Munnelly immediately went to his rescue, bottles were thrown at him, he was kicked and received a fatal stab wound to his abdomen, after which the youths fled. Within a few minutes he was dead; giving his life to save that of his friend. For his great gallantry he was awarded the George Cross and a Binney Medal. The dairyman, William Eirwyn Thomas Griffiths was awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal.

The Binney Memorial Medal was founded in memory of Captain Ralph D. Binney, C.B.E., R.N., who gallantly met his death on 8.12.1944 in the City of London in a valiant and single-handed attempt to stop two thieves who were making their getaway. The medal was available to any British citizen, who not being a member of any Police Force, performed a brave act in the support of law and order within the area of operations of the Metropolitan or City of London Police. A Binney Medal may or may not be awarded each calendar year and on occasion two or more medals were awarded. Three Binney Medals were awarded in 1964 (see lot 707) but it was the first occasion in which two medals were awarded for the same incident.

Sold with two original copies of the London Gazette, 25.6.1965 and a signed letter from the recipient.