Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce post-War B.E.M. for Gallantry awarded to Motor Driver Wahabi Akande, Ministry of Health, Northern Region Nigeria, for his bravery and quick thinking in a petrol drum explosion and fire, despite being severely burnt

British Empire Medal, (Civil) E.II.R., with silver oak leaves gallantry emblem (Wahabi Akande) in Royal Mint case of issue, extremely fine £400-£500

B.E.M. for Gallantry London Gazette 21 October 1958: Wahabi Akande, Motor Driver, Ministry of Health, Northern Region, Nigeria
‘Akande was helping to refuel motor vehicles attached to an anti-malarial spray team when a drum of petrol ignited and blew up. A moment later two other drums exploded. Two persons standing near Akande were killed. Akande was severely injured by flash burns on his face and limbs, his clothes were partly on fire and his hands badly burned but he immediately ran to his vehicle which was standing nearby and succeeded in driving it away from the scene of the fire. This action undoubtedly reduced the extent of the fire and thus the danger to the town and people of Dogondaji.’

From 14 January 1958, the awards of the British Empire Medals made for acts of gallantry were formally designated the ‘British Empire Medal for Gallantry’ and consisted of the British Empire Medal with a silver oak leaf emblem worn on the riband. It was eventually replaced on 20 June 1974 by the Queen's Gallantry Medal. Civilian overseas non-services awards are especially scarce.