Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A post-War ‘Northern Ireland’ B.E.M. group of three awarded to Staff Sergeant and Acting Quartermaster Sergeant R. A. McBride, Royal Military Police

British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (23700079 L. S/Sgt. Robert A. Mc.Bride R.M.P.); General Service 1962-2007, 1 clasp, Northern Ireland (23700079 Sgt. R. A. Mc.Bride RMP.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue, Regular Army (23700079 S Sgt R A McBride BEM RMP) good very fine (3) £1,200-£1,600

B.E.M. London Gazette 2 June 1973.

The recommendation, dated 14 February 1973, states: ‘Sergeant McBride was posted from 160 Pro Coy to Northern Ireland on an emergency tour in 1970. For six months he brilliantly commanded a section in Belfast during some of the worst rioting ever seen in the province, and was commended on many occasions for his courage, coolness, and outstanding ability by the commanding officers of the regiments he supported. Returning in October 1970 to a company severely depleted by the despatch of emergency reinforcements to Northern Ireland he was made a platoon commander. Though only a Sergeant he commanded his under-strength platoon with outstanding skill and leadership. Both he and his men worked very long and demanding hours without hope of a respite as they coped with the continuing heavy demands for assistance. It is a tribute to his ability, determination, and spirit that morale never faltered and the unit’s high standards were maintained.
He was then promoted to acting Staff Sergeant but was reverted to his substantive rank six months late where a staff sergeant was posted in. He remained responsible for police duties, however, and when the Company Quartermaster Sergeant was posted to Northern Ireland on an emergency tour he assumed that appointment. Though not trained in Quartermaster duties his performance has been quite remarkable He displayed tremendous drive and initiative to emerge very quickly as an extremely competent Quartermaster Sergeant always putting the interests of the service before his own.
After an outstanding tour in Northern Ireland Sergeant McBride could have been excused had he shown some disappointment when given a Staff Sergeant’s appointment without the corresponding promotion; instead he tackled his duties with an infectious enthusiasm which reflected throughout the unit. He has carried out the duties of a more senior non-commissioned officer in the most exemplary fashion and by his skill and determination earned the respect and unstinted co-operation of the civil police who recognise that he has been largely responsible for the efficient conduct of police duties in Aldershot Garrison area. Sergeant McBride’s contribution towards the Army’s success and well being is far above that to be expected of a non-commissioned officer of his rank and service. This and his selfless devotion in the face of daunting difficulties and bitter disappointment is well worthy of an award.’

Robert A. McBride was born on 27 April 1940, and enlisted directly in the Royal Military Police in January 1959. After completing his basic training at The Military Police Depot, Woking, he was posted as a Lance-Corporal to No. 5 Dog Company, R.M.P., in Singapore. Whilst serving there he completed an Assistant Physical Training Instructors Course, thus earning him his crossed swords. In 1962 he returned to Woking as a P.T. Instructor, before being posted to 28 Brigade in Malaya in 1966. In 1968 he returned to the U.K., and was posted to 160 Provosts Company, R.M.P. at Aldershot, where he was advanced Staff Sergeant. He served as Platoon Commander and Company Quartermaster Sergeant from March 1970 to February 1973, a particularly busy period which coincided with him serving on detached duties in Northern Ireland, and the bombing of the Parachute Regiment Officers’ Mess in Aldershot that killed seven, and for his services during these three years he was awarded the British Empire Medal.

In 1975 McBride was posted to 180 Pro Coy Royal Military Police (Belfast), and in 1977 was posted to Cyprus as Detachment Commander. Whilst there he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, and gained his Glider Pilot Wings. His final posting was with the B.A.O.R., prior to his retirement in 1981.

Sold with the recipient’s Glider Pilot Wing cloth badge; P.T. Instructors’ crossed swords cloth badge; named Buckingham Palace enclosure for the B.E.M.; and various copied research, including a number of photographic images of the recipient.