Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A post-War ‘Military Divison’ B.E.M. awarded to Staff Sergeant V. L. R. Phillips, Army Catering Corps, who served as Chief Cook of 30th H.A.A. Regiment, Royal Artillery, in Germany from 1955-58

British Empire Medal, (Military) E.II.R. (62538 S/Sgt. Victor L. R. Phillips, A.C.C.) mounted on investiture pin, in Royal Mint case of issue, good very fine £80-£120

B.E.M. London Gazette 12 June 1958.

The original recommendation states: ‘Staff Sergeant Victor Leith Reginald Phillips has been Chief Cook of this Regiment for the last 3 years. Throughout this period he has performed his duties in a highly meritorious manner. He has gone out of his way to instruct and supervise in an extremely capable and efficient way the many National Service soldier cooks and his German staff, making them into an efficient team. This has enabled the messing in this regiment to be of a very high standard both in barracks and in the field. He has always been ready and willing to work after hours and to give up his leave when the interests of the regiment have required it.

In spite of the many difficulties that beset a Regimental Cook Sergeant, he has always kept a cheerful and balanced outlook. He has always shown himself ready to listen to the criticism and suggestions about messing made by the soldiers, and although these are frequently ill-informed or impracticable, he has always done his utmost to improve the Messing to meet their wishes Throughout he has kept his Cook staff and his German civilian staff happy and contented.

He has at all times shown an unselfishness and devotion to duty which has been an example not only to the cooks serving under him but also to the Warrant Officers and Sergeants and to all who have come into contact with him in his daily work. He has done much to keep the morale of the regiment high and is deserving of the highest praise and recognition of his outstanding services.’