Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The mounted group of six miniature dress medals attributed to Lieutenant-Colonel Sir George O. B. ‘Gubby’ Allen, Royal Artillery; a noted cricketer, he captained England in 11 Test Matches, and later became an influential administrator and the dominant figure at Lord’s Cricket Ground

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Civil) Commander’s 2nd type badge, silver-gilt and enamel; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Efficiency Decoration, G.VI.R., 2nd issue, Territorial; Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 1st issue; United States of America, Legion of Merit, Officer’s badge, mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (6) £200-£300

Provenance: ‘The cricketing collection and archive of Sir George “Gubby” Allen’, Dreweatt Neate, March 1992 (when sold alongside his full-sized medals and a number of other associated lots).

Knight Bachelor London Gazette 14 June 1986:
‘For services to cricket’.’

C.B.E. London Gazette 29 December 1961:
‘For services to cricket.’

T.D. London Gazette 21 April 1950.

U.S.A. Legion of Merit London Gazette 20 March 1947.
The original citation states: ‘Lieutenant Colonel George Oswald Browning Allen, British Army, displayed exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services for the United States Air Forces in Europe from August 1943 to May 1945, as General Staff Officer in charge of a specialized branch of military intelligence at the British War Office. Through his intimate knowledge of American requirements and interests, he thoroughly exploited the sources of intelligence, providing an accurate knowledge of enemy anti aircraft resources, its location, capabilities, tactics and strength. His keen appreciation of the problems faced by our bombardment aircraft was of great value in providing our operations and intelligence personnel with necessary information and advice. His driving spirit and harmonious nature enabled his unit to become a well integrated joint organization of exceptional value to the American Air Force. Colonel Allen made a definite contribution to the success of Allied air operations in Europe.’

Sir George Oswald Browning ‘Gubby’ Allen was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia on 31 July 1902 (where his uncle had played one Test Match for Australia against England), and moved to England at the age of 6. Educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, he played first class cricket for Cambridge University and Middlesex, his county career lasting from 1921 to 1950. A fast bowler and hard-hitting lower-order batsman, he made his Test debut in 1930, and in total played 25 times for England, including on the ‘Bodyline’ tour of Australia, and captained England on 11 occasions. In total he scored 750 test runs, with a highest score of 122, and took 81 test wickets, with best match figures of 10 for 78. Fittingly, his best performances with both the bat and ball were at his home ground, and he is one of only five cricketers to make it onto all three ‘Honours Boards’ at the home of cricket.

During the Second World War Allen served with the Royal Artillery as a General Staff Officer in Military Intelligence, and was awarded the American Legion of Merit. Resuming his cricket playing post-War, he later became an influential cricket administrator, serving as chairman of the England selectors from 1955 to 1961, as well as becoming the dominant figure at Lord’s Cricket Ground, serving as both Treasurer and President of the M.C.C. Awarded the C.B.E. in 1961, he was knighted in 1986 for his services to cricket, and died in his house overlooking Lord’s Cricket Ground on 29 November 1989. A stand at Lord’s is named in his honour.

Sold together with the original auction catalogue and receipt from the Dreweatt Neate auction; and copied research.